How will I know if my baby's umbilical stump is infected?

It's rare that a healing umbilical cord stump gets infected, but it can happen. See a doctor if your newborn seems to be in pain or if you notice any of these signs of infection: - Red, swollen appearance - A fluid-filled lump on or near baby's umbilical-cord stump - Oozing pus or any foul-smelling discharge - Bleeding from the scab (a little dried blood is normal) - Fever - Lethargy, low appetite, irritability - Abdominal swelling If baby does have an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. http://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-growth/umbilical-cord-care.aspx