During the time the cord is healing it should be kept as clean and as dry as possible. In order to keep the cord dry, sponge bathe your baby rather than submersing him in a tub of water. Observe the umbilical cord for infection. This does not occur frequently, but can spread quickly if infection does occur.

Signs of infection would be:

• Foul-smelling, yellow drainage from the cord
• Redness and tenderness of the skin surrounding the cord

Another infrequent problem is active bleeding. This usually occurs when the cord is pulled off prematurely. Allow the cord to fall off naturally, even if it is only hanging on by a thread. Active bleeding is defined as every time you wipe away a drop of blood, another drop appears. If the cord does actively bleed, call your baby's doctor immediately.

Occasionally instead of completely drying, the cord will form a granuloma, which is pink scar tissue. This granuloma drains a light-yellowish fluid. This condition will usually go away in about a week, but if not, your pediatrician may need to cauterize the granulation tissue.

Because the umbilical cord may be a place for infection to enter the baby's body, it is important to care for it properly. Your baby's physician will give you instructions on how to keep the cord clean. Alcohol is often used at each diaper change. Some physicians recommend using plain water, or just allowing it to air dry.

Keep the cord on the outside of the baby's diaper. Some newborn-size diapers have special cut-outs for the cord area, but you can also fold down the top edge of the diaper.

• bleeding from the end of the cord or the area near the skin.
• pus (a yellow or white discharge). swelling or redness around the navel.
• signs that the navel area is painful to your baby.