What to do if my 7wk old baby has a infected belly button?

UMBILICAL CORD: Infection: in newborn is common. Usually we tell not to use anything on the cord, it detaches/falls in 8-14 days. If low grade infection, cord remains wet, smelly, sometimes oozes. You can see red growth called 'granuloma', or a finger like projection called 'polyp'. If this has happened, take baby to the pediatrician; s/he will cauterize with silver nitrate, may give some other med if needed.

See a doctor: An infected belly bottom (know as omphalitis) can become a life threatening condition at this young age. Infected belly button will appear with redness, swelling, foul smell, discharge and fevers. Not all of the previous mention need to be present. If the belly button is truly infected, immediate treatment with antibiotics need to be started. Only a trained medical doctor will be able to determine.

Time for a visit: The presence of redness and swelling or oozing from the site and skin around the belly button is rare at 7 weeks and can be a sign of a progressive and dangerous skin infection.In the short term, cleansing the area with rubbing alcohol can help dry and heal a simple belly button granuloma, but i would have the doc look it over in the office.