Diapers, cord care and bathing
Nurses can show you how to change diapers, care for the umbilical cord stump and bathe your baby. Ask them to show you, then try it while they watch.
Most important
Ask for a demonstration
Ask a nurse to show you a diaper change or cord care before you leave.
What may happen
- Practising diaper changes and swaddling with a nurse.
- Being told how to keep the cord stump clean and dry.
Why
Hands-on practice builds confidence before going home.
What varies
Advice on cord care and first baths can differ. Follow your baby's care team.
Questions to ask
- Can you show me how to change a diaper and clean the cord area?
- When can we give the first bath at home?
- How many wet and dirty diapers should we expect?
Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app
Sources
Summaries are drafted from these public sources. No hospital has endorsed this app.
Corewell Health · Regional patient education
You and Your Baby(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Relevant PDF pages read
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: 28-page PDF. Relevant PDF pages 3-4 and 14-18; check current recommendations before adapting older advice.
Henry Ford Health · Detroit-area system
Newborn Care(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Page read in full
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Published follow-up timings should not override individualized discharge instructions.