Your baby's bellybutton needs special attention until the cord dries up and falls off (usually two but perhaps as long as five weeks), because this area can get infected. To prevent infection, keep his bellybutton dry and clean, and expose it to air as much as possible.

That doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't immerse your baby in water until the cord is gone, only that you shouldn't cover the cord area until it is completely dry. (Pediatricians have different opinions about this; check with yours.) If you see any signs of redness or pus, however, don't immerse him and call your pediatrician.

You'll probably be told to wipe around the base of the cord with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol several times a day. This has a dual purpose — alcohol both kills bacteria and dries out the cord. (Although recent studies have shown that water may work just as well, your doctor will probably recommend alcohol.) You may see a few drops of blood as the cord detaches. This is normal, as is a small amount of yellow discharge. Redness on the skin around the bellybutton or oozing pus is not normal. If you see either, call your doctor immediately.