Umbilical Hernia in Babies: Causes & When to Worry | Parenting Hub
An umbilical hernia is a soft bulge at the belly button. Most close on their own by age 3–5 without surgery. The signs that need urgent review.
A small, soft bulge that pops out when your baby cries or pushes is usually an umbilical hernia — and most close themselves without any treatment.
What an umbilical hernia is
After the cord falls off, the small opening in the abdominal wall usually closes by itself. If it doesn't fully close, a loop of fatty tissue or bowel can push through, making the belly button bulge out — especially when baby cries, coughs or strains. Around 1 in 6 babies has one.
Symptoms
A soft, painless bulge at the belly button, from pea-sized to plum-sized. It gets bigger with crying and almost disappears when baby is calm or asleep. Pressing gently usually pushes it back in.
Causes
It's a normal variation in how the abdominal wall closes — not caused by anything you did. More common in premature babies and babies of African ancestry.
What helps
Nothing — and that's good news. Old home remedies actually cause harm:
- Don't tape coins or strap binders over the navel — they can damage the skin and don't speed closure.
- It's safe to gently push the bulge back in if you want to, but you don't have to.
- Most close completely by age 1–2; many of the rest by age 4–5.
When to see a doctor
Mention the hernia at your usual maternal health nurse or GP checks so it can be measured. Surgery is only considered if the hernia is still present at age 4–5, is larger than 1.5–2 cm, or shows signs of complication.
When to seek help
- Bulge is firm, red, purple or won't push back in
- Baby is vomiting, very unsettled and refusing feeds
- Pain when the bulge is touched
- Bulge appears suddenly with severe crying that doesn't ease
Common questions
Will my baby need surgery for an umbilical hernia?
Most don't. Around 90% close by themselves before school age. Surgery is straightforward when needed and usually a day procedure.
Does it hurt my baby when the belly button pops out?
No — uncomplicated umbilical hernias are painless. Pain, redness or refusal to feed means seek urgent review.