What is the significance of keeping the cord stump dry?

Keeping the cord stump dry is crucial for several reasons, primarily to help prevent infection and promote healing. The umbilical cord stump is a small, open wound after birth, and if it remains moist, it can create an environment conducive to microbial growth, increasing the risk of infection. Drying out the cord stump helps to minimize this risk and allows for the natural healing processes to take place properly.

Moreover, a dry stump typically detaches on its own within a couple of weeks as the tissue dries out and separates naturally. While other options might have some relevance to overall care and health, the primary focus when caring for the umbilical cord stump is infection prevention, which is integral to ensuring the newborn's health in the early days following birth.