Q: Can I give my child a bath before her cord drops, or do I just wipe her down?

Answered by Dr Anthony James Mansul, Consultant Paediatrician & Clinical Head of Paediatric Service at Prince Court Medical Centre

It is fine to bathe your baby before her cord drops.

Do keep in mind though that if the cord gets wet, it may delay the cord separation. So, do not worry if this happens.

Wiping your baby down is fine as well and is a popular alternative in European countries.