1. The use of a dressing or binder is not only unnecessary but is discouraged. It is not unusual for the base of the navel to bleed slightly, especially just before the cord falls off. Nothing usually need be applied; merely keep the area clean with soap and water. If a persistent foul-smelling yellow or green discharge appears at the base of the navel, the baby should be seen by a physician. Rarely, a clear-colored liquid similar to urine may be seen exuding from the navel. If this occurs, the infant should also be seen by a physician. Small granulomas may develop at the navel area, and these are easily treated by the physician with applications of silver nitrate.
2. It is not uncommon for many infants to develop an umbilical hernia. These are usually evident by the age of one month and increase in size until the age of eight or nine months. Almost all of these disappear by themselves by the time the child is three or four years of age. The use of taping is not indicated in the treatment of these hernias.

Foreskin

Circumcision is a social custom, not a medical necessity. If your baby is circumcised, keep the penis clean with soap and water. The infant may have a plastic ring (tied with string) on his penis. This plastic ring should fall off in about seven days. No special treatment is needed. If bleeding occurs, consult a physician.