What should I do if my newborn’s umbilical cord stump is bleeding slightly?

Under normal circumstances, the umbilical cord connecting the newborn to the mother is clamped and cut shortly after birth, leaving a small stump to protect the navel. If bleeding occurs at the umbilical site, the following measures should be taken:

Most newborns experience no pain when umbilical bleeding occurs; the blood typically originates from residual blood stored within the umbilical cord stump. Upon noticing such bleeding, parents may gently clean the area using a cotton swab dipped in iodophor (povidone-iodine). While cleaning, ensure gentle but thorough wiping into the depths of the navel to help prevent infection.

After thoroughly cleaning away the blood, cover the newborn’s navel with sterile gauze. This helps prevent friction or irritation from clothing or diapers that could interfere with healing of the umbilical stump. Alternatively, an umbilical cord protector (umbilical band) may also be used to safeguard the navel.

If any abnormal signs appear—such as persistent or heavy bleeding, foul odor, swelling, redness, warmth, or purulent discharge—parents should refrain from attempting self-treatment and seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare professional will assess and manage the condition appropriately; if infection is present, topical or systemic treatment may be prescribed. Thereafter, parents should ensure the umbilical area remains dry and clean, avoid submerging it in water, maintain strict hygiene, and closely monitor for any changes.