"Simply keeping the cord clean appears to be as effective and safe as using antibiotics or antiseptics". I have followed this routine for the last 2 years and so far so good. David Topical umbilical cord care at birth (Cochrane Review) Zupan J, Garner P ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of topical cord care in preventing cord infection, illness and death. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library issue 4, 1997) and Medline. We also contacted experts in the field. Selection criteria: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of topical cord care compared with no routine care, and comparisons between different forms of care. Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data. Main results: Ten studies were included, all from developed countries. No systemic infections or deaths were observed in any of the studies reviewed. Cord and other skin infections within six weeks of observation were not affected by use of antiseptics. There was a trend to reduced colonization with antibiotics compared to antiseptics and no treatment. Antiseptics prolonged the time to cord separation. Use of antiseptics was associated with a reduction in maternal concern about the cord. Reviewers' conclusions: Simply keeping the cord clean appears to be as effective and safe as using antibiotics or antiseptics. Citation: Zupan J, Garner P. Topical umbilical cord care at birth (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, 1, 2002. Oxford: Update Software. - 1: J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 1998 Nov-Dec;27(6):621-7 Alcohol versus natural drying for newborn cord care. Dore S, Buchan D, Coulas S, Hamber L, Stewart M, Cowan D, Jamieson L Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation, Ontario, Canada. OBJECTIVE: To compare alcohol cleaning and natural drying of newborn umbilical cords. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary-level university teaching hospital and level II community hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Of 1,876 singleton full-term newborns enrolled, 1,811 completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: Newborns, from birth until separation of the cord, were randomized to either (a) umbilical cleansing with 70% isopropyl alcohol at each diaper change or (b) natural drying of the umbilical site without special treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Umbilical infection, cord separation time, maternal comfort, and cost. RESULTS: No newborn in either group developed a cord infection. Primary care providers obtained cultures for cord concerns in 32 newborns (1.8%), with colonization for normal flora, Staphylococcus aureus, and Group B streptococcus proportionately equal in alcohol and air dry groups. Cord separation time was statistically significantly different (alcohol group, 9.8 days; natural drying group, 8.16 days; t = 8.9, p = < .001). Mothers described similar comfort with cord care and relief with cord separation. Costs of alcohol drying while in the hospital were greater than those of natural drying. CONCLUSIONS: (a) Evidence does not support continued use of alcohol for newborn cord care; (b) health care providers should explain the normal process of cord separation, including appearance and possible odor; and (c) health care providers should continue to develop evidence to support or eliminate historic practices. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 9836156