Dry Cord Care Versus Alcohol Cord Care in Healthy Newborns

Umbilical cord care is an essential component of newborn care, but the optimal method remains controversial. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare routine alcohol cord care with natural dry cord care in healthy newborns. A total of 210 mother-infant dyads will be randomly assigned to either routine alcohol cord care or natural dry cord care. The primary outcome is the incidence of umbilical cord infection. Secondary outcomes include umbilical cord separation time, bacterial colonization, and healthcare resource utilization for umbilical cord care. The findings of this study will provide evidence to support optimal umbilical cord care practices for healthy newborns.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy neonates with a gestational age of 35 weeks or greater. * Birth weight of 2,300 g or greater. * Normal umbilical cord appearance at birth, with no evidence of trauma, infection, or congenital abnormalities of the umbilical cord. Exclusion Criteria: * Neonates born to mothers with intrapartum fever (≥38°C), clinical chorioamnionitis, or rupture of membranes for more than 18 hours * Meconium-stained amniotic fluid. * Neonates admitted directly to the Newborn Care Center (NBC) or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) after birth. * Neonates from multiple gestations.