Federal regulations regarding the sale and storage of 7% iodine solutions have increased the interest in exploring the effectiveness of alternative antiseptics for umbilical cord dipping. There are few studies documenting the effectiveness of alternative umbilical antiseptics. Four antiseptic solutions (7% iodine-, 4% chlorhexidine-, citrate-methylene blue-parabens (Zuralac), and 1000 ppm chlorine-based products) were compared to determine their impact on umbilical healing and 24-h infection rates in a field trial with dairy calves. There were no differences between treatments, suggesting all four dips tested were effective in preventing umbilical infections and permitting healing of the umbilical cord when used within 30 minutes of birth under clean, dry conditions.