What indicates that a parent understands instructions about caring for a newborn's umbilical cord?

The statement about giving the baby sponge baths until the cord falls off demonstrates an understanding of the appropriate care for a newborn's umbilical cord. This approach is important because sponge bathing keeps the area around the umbilical cord clean and dry, which can help prevent infection and promote healing.

Care for the umbilical cord involves keeping it dry and exposed to air as much as possible until it naturally falls off, usually within the first few weeks after birth. By using sponge baths and avoiding submerging the baby in water, the parent is adhering to best practices for umbilical cord care.

The other statements reflect misunderstandings of proper care. Using alcohol to clean the cord daily is no longer recommended as it can irritate the skin and delay the healing process. Covering the cord with a bandage is unnecessary since the cord should remain exposed to air to dry out. Allowing the cord to get wet during regular baths can introduce moisture that creates an environment for bacteria to thrive, potentially leading to infection. Therefore, the choice regarding sponge baths aligns with established guidelines for umbilical cord care.