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Is an umbilical hernia in a baby serious?
Umbilical hernia in babies: the soft bump under the navel, why it usually closes by age 4 or 5, how it differs from a groin hernia, and when surgery is needed.
The short answer
Usually not. An umbilical hernia is a soft bump under the navel where part of the intestine pushes through an opening in the belly wall that hasn't closed yet. It isn't painful and most cause no problems, closing on their own by age 4 or 5. Doctors may suggest surgery if it hasn't closed by then or causes problems. A bulge in the groin is different: inguinal hernias are fixed with surgery.
An umbilical hernia in a baby is usually not serious. It's a soft bump under the navel where part of the intestine pokes through a small opening in the belly wall that hasn't finished closing. Nemours KidsHealth says these hernias aren't painful, most cause no problems, and most close up on their own by the time a child turns 4 or 5 (Hernias, accessed November 13, 2026).
What you'll notice
The bump sits right at or under the navel. It's soft and often gets bigger when your baby cries, coughs, strains to poop or sits up, then flattens again when they relax or lie down. It can be as small as a fingertip or as big as a walnut.
Why it happens
KidsHealth explains that babies can be born with small openings in the body that will close at some point. Nearby tissue can squeeze into one of these openings and make a bulge. In children, that spot isn't always a weakness in the muscle wall; often it's a normal area that simply hasn't closed yet. Premature babies are especially likely to be born with hernias.
KidsHealth also notes that hernia repair is one of the most common surgeries children have.
The types parents hear about
Most hernias in kids are one of two kinds:
| Type | Where | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
| Umbilical | At the navel | Often closes on its own by 4 or 5 |
| Inguinal | Groin, lower belly | Fixed with surgery |
KidsHealth also describes epigastric hernias, between the navel and the chest; many are small, cause no symptoms and don't need treatment, while larger ones that cause symptoms won't heal alone but can be repaired. Hiatal, femoral and incisional hernias usually happen in older people, not kids.
The groin bulge is different
An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestines slides into an opening in the lower abdomen called the inguinal canal, which should have closed tightly. It shows up as a bulge in the groin or, in boys, the scrotum. KidsHealth says doctors fix inguinal hernias with surgery, so any groin bulge should be seen by your child's doctor soon rather than watched.
When an umbilical hernia needs surgery
According to KidsHealth, if an umbilical hernia hasn't gone away by age 4 or 5, or it causes problems, doctors may recommend surgery. The repair is a short operation under anesthesia, usually done as an outpatient so your child goes home the same day.
Old remedies to skip
You may hear about taping a coin over the navel or using a tight belly band to "push it in." These don't help the opening close and can irritate the skin. The best plan is to leave it alone and let your pediatrician keep an eye on it at well visits.
Signs that need care right away
Rarely, a loop of intestine gets stuck in a hernia. Get urgent medical care if the bump:
- becomes hard, swollen or tender
- turns red, purple or dark
- won't flatten when your baby is calm
especially if your baby is also vomiting, very fussy and can't be comforted, or has a swollen belly. These signs can mean the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off.
Everyday care
Day to day, an umbilical hernia needs nothing special. Bathe, dress and do tummy time as usual. Diapers can sit below it. Car seat straps and carriers are fine. Many parents worry crying will make it worse; crying makes it bulge for a moment but doesn't keep the opening from closing.
How it looks as your child grows
Many parents notice the bump in the first weeks, when the umbilical cord stump falls off and the navel heals. Over the toddler years, as the belly muscles strengthen with crawling, walking and climbing, the opening often shrinks a little at a time. You might see the bump pop out less often, or only during a big cry or a hard laugh.
There's no exercise you need to do and nothing to press on. Normal play, tummy time and later running and jumping are all fine. If your child is older and the bump seems to be getting larger rather than smaller, or it starts to bother them, mention it at the next visit rather than waiting for the yearly checkup.
Questions for the pediatrician
- How big is the opening now, and is it getting smaller?
- What signs mean we should come in right away?
- At what age would you refer us to a surgeon if it hasn't closed?
- Is there anything we should avoid?
Measuring roughly at each visit, or taking a phone photo with a coin beside it for scale, lets you see progress over months. Keep the photos in one album so you can show the doctor how it has changed since the last appointment.
If surgery is ahead
Kids who need a hernia repair do better when they know what's coming in simple words. A personalized book about a brave hospital visit can show your child going in and coming home. See the hospital book and our story about staying overnight in the hospital.
Related reading
FAQ
Does an umbilical hernia hurt my baby?
No. Umbilical hernias in babies usually aren't painful.
Will crying make the hernia worse?
Crying makes it bulge for a moment but doesn't stop it from closing over time.
When do umbilical hernias close?
Most close on their own by age 4 or 5.
