When most babies are born, a small clamp is put on a few centimetres from the belly button before the cord is cut. The cord can then be allowed to dry and fall off naturally, usually sometime between 7 and 14 days although it can also be a little earlier or later.

Due to the placement of the cord, it can be tricky deciding whether to place the cord and clamp inside or outside the baby’s nappy.This is entirely your choice and depends on however you and baby feel most comfortable. However, if you do choose to keep the cord inside the nappy, make sure that the nappy waistband is not too tight as this may press the clamp into baby’s tummy which may be uncomfortable.

If the cord gets dirty from the nappy, this is not a problem and you can simply clean bathe your baby in the normal way.

As the cord shrivels and prepares to detach, it is normal for it to be a little smelly.

If the smell from the cord becomes very strong, and there is redness or swelling or some oozing from the umbilicus this may indicate an infection and you should see your GP as a short course of antibiotics may be necessary.

Though it can be a concern that the cord is hurting your baby there are no nerve endings present in the cord itself and so parents can be sure that this will not be worrying your baby.