What should parents be instructed about cord care for a newborn?

Keeping the cord stump dry until it falls off is essential for proper healing and to prevent infection. The umbilical cord, when cut, leaves a stump that requires care to allow it to dry out and eventually detach naturally. Moisture can promote the growth of bacteria, leading to infection, which can complicate the healing process. Therefore, ensuring that the stump remains dry is a critical step in newborn care.

In terms of context for the other options, applying ointment or covering the stump with a bandage could trap moisture against the skin and prevent proper air circulation, increasing the risk of infection. Soaking the cord stump in warm water could also lead to moisture retention, which is counterproductive to the healing process. Hence, the guideline is clear: keeping the cord stump dry is the best practice for optimal healing.