A medicine is sometimes applied to the cord as part of a baby's first care. This may be a purple dye or another type of antiseptic. But it's now advised to keep the cord dry (dry cord care).
By the time the baby goes home from the hospital, the cord is starting to dry and wither. The clamp can be removed when the cord is completely dry. The cord usually falls off by itself in about 2 to 3 weeks. In some babies, it takes longer. Because the umbilical cord may be a place for infection to enter the baby's body, it's important to care for it correctly.