Your baby's umbilical cord was probably the last thing you thought about when you were imagining what it wuold be like to take care of your baby. But you can relax, caring for the umbilical cord is as simple as it can be: totally leave it alone. Don't wash it, don't worry about it -- it will fall off on its own.

When changing your baby's diaper, simply keep the diaper folded down below the stump or use newborn diapers made with cord cutouts.

More Baby's First Year Videos
Baby Blues
Baby's Development
Baby's Early Reflexes
Baby's First Checkup
Bathtime
Bottle-feeding
Breastfeeding -- Latching On
Breastfeeding -- Positions
Caring for Cradle Cap and Baby Acne
Creating a Bond with Sibling
Jaundice
Installing a Car Seat
Picking Up Your Baby
Leaving the Hospital
Recovery For New Moms
Swaddling
Helping Baby Be a Good Sleeper
Colic
Using a Thermometer
Changing a Diaper
Diaper Rash