For how long should the care of the umbilical cord stump continue after it falls off?

After the umbilical cord stump falls off, it is important to continue care for it for about 3 to 5 days. This is because, even though the stump has detached, the area can still be prone to infection until it has fully healed. During this period, parents or caregivers should monitor the site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul odor. Keeping the area clean and dry is essential to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

The specified timeframe of 3 to 5 days is both practical and effective, allowing sufficient time for the healing process to continue while ensuring that parents are attentive to the stump’s condition. It reflects standard pediatric practice guidelines. After this period, with appropriate care, the risk of infection decreases significantly as the healing progresses.