Comparing Routine Alcohol Cord Care With Natural Dry Cord Care to Prevent Infection in Healthy Newborns

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two methods of umbilical cord careroutine alcohol cord care and natural dry cord carein healthy newborns. Umbilical cord infection is a significant cause of illness in newborns worldwide, and although dry cord care is recommended by the World Health Organization for healthy babies born in clean healthcare settings, alcohol cord care remains common in many hospitals. The study will provide evidence to guide best practices in umbilical cord care for healthy newborns. A total of 210 mother-infant pairs will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving routine alcohol-based cord care and the other receiving natural dry cord care without antiseptics, both continued by caregivers after hospital discharge until the umbilical cord separates. Newborns will be cared for in a single hospital setting and assessed daily during hospitalization. Caregivers will also send standardized photos of the cord after discharge until healing is complete. Participants will be monitored for umbilical cord infection from birth until one day after cord separation. Other measurements include the time until the cord separates, bacterial colonization through cultures at birth and on day three, and healthcare resources used for cord care during the hospital stay. Follow-up is done through photo submissions via a secure messaging group. The study is expected to inform safer and more efficient cord care methods to improve newborn health outcomes.

Dry Cord Care Versus Alcohol Cord Care in Healthy Newborns