If you’re a new parent, you’ve likely searched for questions such as:
“How to put a diaper on a newborn?”, “How to care for the umbilical cord?”, “Should a diaper cover the umbilical stump?”
This guide brings together pediatric recommendations and explains a simple, safe method for putting a diaper on a newborn whose umbilical cord stump has not yet fallen off.
Proper diaper positioning helps:
- prevent irritation around the belly button,
- reduce the risk of infection,
- support faster healing,
- keep the area dry — essential for umbilical cord care.
Step 1: The diaper should NEVER cover the newborn’s umbilical cord
One of the most important pediatric recommendations is:
the diaper must sit below the belly button — never over it.
If the diaper covers or rubs against the umbilical stump, it may:
- cause irritation,
- trap moisture (slowing the healing process),
- increase infection risk,
- disturb the natural separation of the cord.
Correct placement:
The diaper should be folded down below the belly button, leaving the umbilical stump fully exposed.
Step 2: Fold the front of the diaper downward
To ensure proper diaper placement on a newborn, the front edge of the diaper should be:
- positioned below the umbilical stump,
- gently folded downwards,
- adjusted so the cord area stays open to air.
This technique is widely recommended by pediatricians and is often searched for under terms like: “diaper below umbilical cord”.
This fold provides:
- good airflow,
- less friction,
- more comfort for the baby,
- faster umbilical cord healing.
Step 3: Make sure the umbilical area is dry before putting on a diaper
This step is essential for proper umbilical cord care.
Before putting on the diaper:
- clean only as much as necessary,
- ensure the cord area is completely dry,
- do not rub the stump or apply unnecessary products (unless advised by a doctor).
Avoid:
❌ alcohol wipes (unless specifically recommended),
❌ gauze or coverings,
❌ touching or attempting to speed up the separation.
The cord heals best when there is dryness + ventilation.
Step 4: Position the diaper so the waistband and leg cuffs do not press on the cord area
To ensure proper newborn diapering, check that:
- the leg cuffs are correctly unfolded,
- the waistband is not too high,
- the diaper is secured around the lower abdomen only — not near the cord.
If the diaper starts creeping upward as you fasten it, simply: fold the front edge slightly lower.
This is one of the main reasons parents search:
“How to put a diaper on a newborn properly?”
Step 5: Common mistakes to avoid
To prevent irritation or complications, avoid:
❌ Placing the diaper over the umbilical cord
❌ Allowing the diaper to rub against the stump
❌ Covering the stump in hopes of “protecting” it
❌ Using a diaper that is too large (it may ride up)
❌ Forgetting to fold the front section downward
These are often linked to common concerns such as:
“Why is my newborn’s umbilical cord red?”
“Can a diaper cause irritation to the umbilical cord?”
Step 6: What does a healthy umbilical cord look like?
The healing process can vary, and many appearances are normal. A healthy umbilical stump may be:
- dark brown or black,
- slightly yellowish,
- surrounded by mild redness,
- dry or slightly shriveled.
However, seek medical advice if you notice:
⚠️ pus
⚠️ foul odor
⚠️ rapidly spreading redness
⚠️ signs of pain or sensitivity in the baby
These may indicate infection.
