What should I do if I notice a gooey lump on my newborn's belly button?

You may notice a small, gooey lump (umbilical granuloma) at the base of the belly button. If this is the case, check with your pediatrician. The application of silver nitrate in the office can help a gooey cord dry up and heal. Alternatively, you can wipe it with rubbing alcohol several times a day for a few days. The granuloma should eventually go away and look like a normal belly button very soon. Sponge bathe your baby as needed until a day or two after the cord has fallen off and the belly button is dry and healed. Then you
can start tub baths, rubber ducky and all--fun!