How to take care of minor problems. CARE OF UMBILICAL CORD: The end of the cord will fall off in a couple of weeks after birth. Until it falls off, keep it clean and dry. Keep diaper below the cord so that the cord stays dry. Dab with alcohol on a cotton swab 1–2 times each day. Call your baby’s health caregiver if it looks red, irritated, bleeds or oozes, or has a bad odor. CARE OF CIRCUMCISION: A circumcision should heal in 7–10 days. If the tip of the penis is irritated by the diaper, put a little bit of petroleum jelly on the irritated area each time you change the diaper. PREVENT DIAPER RASH: