Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if bleeding is heavy, your baby is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, looks blue or very pale, or seems seriously unwell.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical advice the same day if your baby has:
Redness spreading away from the belly button
Increasing swelling, warmth, or tenderness
Cloudy, pus-like, or foul-smelling drainage
Repeated bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
Poor feeding, vomiting, unusual irritability, or unusual sleepiness
A temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher, especially under 3 months old
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine or soon appointment if the stump has not separated by about three weeks, the area remains moist, or a small pink lump or repeated discharge appears after separation.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Umbilical cord care. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.