Can antiseptics on the umbilical cord save newborns from infection and death?

The umbilical cord is a vital connection for newborns, but it can also be a gateway for infections that lead to serious health issues like neonatal sepsis and even death. In low- and middle-income countries, applying a substance called chlorhexidine to the umbilical cord stump may help reduce these risks. Studies suggest that using chlorhexidine likely lowers the risk of cord infections and may decrease overall newborn deaths, although it probably delays the time it takes for the cord to fall off by about two days. In high-income countries, the evidence around chlorhexidine is much less certain, and the benefits are unclear. For another antiseptic, 70% alcohol, the findings are also uncertain, especially in low-income settings. However, in high-income countries, it seems to delay cord separation slightly. This information is vital for parents and healthcare providers, as it highlights the importance of proper cord care to protect newborns from infections that can have serious consequences.