Independent exploration of practice

For a deeper understanding of the progression of the various methods of cord care a short historical outline if following:

In the 1950s, frequent epidemic outbreaks of staphylococcus in newborn nurseries were occurring (Haque & Baldwin 1964).

In 1969, a six and a half year study of hexachlorophane baths substantiated its effectiveness in eliminating staphylococcal infections and resulted in recommendations for major changes in the standard of care for newborns (Williams & Oliver 1969).

Since the 1970s, it has been widely accepted to use some form of topical antimicrobial to treat the umbilical cord. Other accepted cord care practices include assessment of the cord for signs of infection, good hand washing between infants, folding down the diaper to avoid unnecessary friction or soiling, avoidance of tub baths widely accepted to use some form of topical antimicrobial to treat the umbilical cord (Perry 1982).

Since the 1980s, studies have continued to evaluate differences in cord care regimens and staphylococcal colonization and infection and cord separation times (Dore et al. 1998).