Dry Cord Care vs Wet Cord Care: What Every New Mom Should Know

What Is Umbilical Cord Care?

After birth, your baby’s umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump attached to their tummy. This stump usually dries out and falls off on its own within 1–2 weeks.

The goal of cord care is simple:

• Keep the area clean
• Prevent infection
• Allow the cord to dry and heal naturally

How we do that is where the two approaches differ.

What Is Dry Cord Care?

Dry cord care means exactly what it sounds like - keeping the cord clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.

How it works:

• No routine application of liquids or antiseptics
• Fold nappies down so they don’t rub against the stump
• Gently clean with water only if the area becomes dirty, then dry thoroughly
• Allow the cord to dry out and fall off naturally

Benefits of dry cord care:

• Encourages faster drying and natural separation
• Lower risk of irritation from unnecessary products
• Simple, low-intervention approach
• Supported by many healthcare professionals in low-risk settings

For many healthy, full-term babies, dry cord care is considered safe, effective, and sufficient.

What Is Wet Cord Care?

Wet cord care involves applying a substance to the umbilical stump to keep it clean or disinfected.

Common products used include:

• Surgical spirits (alcohol) applied with a cotton swab
• Alcohol swabs
• Antiseptic solutions
• Herbal or medicated treatments

When wet cord care may be recommended:

• In hospital or high-risk environments
• Where hygiene conditions are limited
• If a baby is premature or has a higher risk of infection

While wet cord care can help reduce infection in certain contexts, routine use on healthy newborns may delay drying and cord separation.

My Personal Preference (and What I Use)

As a mom, I’ve learned to deeply respect both medical guidance and maternal instinct. With my firstborn, I initially followed what many moms are advised to do and used surgical spirits on a cotton swab for the first week.

What I noticed, though, was that the cord took a while to dry and separate. After switching to dry cord care and using Wecsin (purchased from Dischem) for just two days, the cord dried beautifully and came off naturally.

That experience stayed with me.

This time around, with baby number two, I’ll be doing dry cord care from the start - allowing the cord to air-dry as nature intended, with Wecsin on hand for gentle support if needed.

I believe in allowing the body to do what it was designed to do, without over-treating something that often just needs time, air, and a little trust. As always, what works for one baby may not be right for another and that’s okay.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

No matter which method you choose, seek medical advice if you notice:

• Redness spreading around the belly button
• Swelling or warmth
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge
• Fever or unusual fussiness

Trust yourself. You know your baby best.

A Gentle Reminder for New Moms

Cord care doesn’t have to be complicated. There is no gold star for doing more. Often, doing less with intention is enough.

Whether you choose dry cord care, wet cord care, or a mindful combination guided by your healthcare provider, the most important thing is that you feel informed, calm, and confident.

You’re doing better than you think.