Oh I bathed my little one as per normal even with the umbilical cord. It did touch water a little. I avoided the area while soaping, and dabbed it dry after the bath. I cleaned it with a moist cotton ball (just warm water) and let it dry. Even after the cord fell off, while there were still some scabs, I continued to clean it with the damp cotton ball daily, till everything had fallen off. Everyone has their own style I guess.