Jennifer Shu, MD, FAA, Pediatrician: There are two delicate areas on newborns that require special care while diapering – umbilical cords and circumcisions. Let's approach them step by step. First, baby's umbilical cord: to keep the area dry, avoid covering the cord with the diaper. Some newborn diapers are especially designed with a cutout space for the belly button. Otherwise, simply fold the diaper below the cord so it stays exposed. Call your doctor if the umbilical cord: remains soft; has a foul odor; leaks pus or more than a few drops of blood; or causes red streak on the skin around the navel. Give your baby only sponge baths until the cord falls off, usually within a few weeks. Second, if you have a son who is circumcised, there are steps to prevent infection, speed recovery, and ease discomfort. You'll need gauze and some petroleum jelly, lubricant or antibacterial ointment to cover the tip. Later, you can forego the gauze but continue the petroleum jelly until the penis is healed – normally within a week to ten days. Call your doctor if you notice: an increase in swelling; bleeding; pus; discoloration of the penis; or difficulty with urination. For uncircumcised boys, simply clean the area gently during diaper changes. Do not attempt to retract and clean beneath the foreskin. Separation of the foreskin will happen naturally when the baby is few years old. Healing sensitive areas that have been clipped or snipped is a snap when you take it step by step. For WebMD I'm Dr. Jennifer Shu..
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