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Call your baby's doctor if you see signs of an infection. These signs include:

• Pus around the base of the cord.
• Fluid that continues to ooze out of the navel area a few days after the stump falls off. (It is normal to notice some fluid the first day or two after the stump falls off.)
• Red, tender skin around the base of the cord.
• Your baby crying when you touch the cord or the skin around it.
• Fever.

Also call your baby's doctor if you notice any other problems with the umbilical cord, such as:

• Swelling and moistness on your baby’s navel that lasts for more than 2 weeks after the umbilical cord has fallen off. This may be a piece of extra tissue called an umbilical granuloma. This minor problem usually is treated with medicine to dry the area. Sometimes a couple of stitches are also needed.
• Bulging tissue around the navel, usually noticed after the umbilical cord falls off. This may be an umbilical hernia, which usually goes away on its own. But it should be monitored by a doctor.