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As a parent in Pakistan, seeing a soft bulge or swelling at your baby’s belly button (naaf) can be worrying, but in most cases it is a common condition called an umbilical hernia (Naaf ka hernia/ naaf ki sojan). It usually appears in newborns or young infants because the muscles around the belly button are still weak after birth, and the swelling may look more noticeable when the baby cries, coughs or strains.
The good news is that umbilical hernias are usually painless and harmless. In most children, the muscles strengthen naturally with growth, and the swelling disappears on its own without treatment. Proper guidance and awareness can help parents feel reassured and care for their child with confidence, without unnecessary fear.
An umbilical hernia is common in newborns and infants and happens when a small part of the intestine pushes through a weak area in the muscles near the belly button, causing a soft bulge. This swelling is often more noticeable when the baby cries, coughs, or strains, but it is usually harmless.
Most umbilical hernias in babies close on their own as the child grows and the muscles become stronger, often by 2 years of age. Doctors usually monitor the hernia during routine checkups to ensure it is improving.
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord passes through a small opening in the baby’s abdominal muscles. After birth, when the cord falls off, this opening (the “ring”) usually closes on its own. In some babies, however, the ring doesn’t close completely or takes longer to close. This small gap can allow tissue to push through, causing a soft bulge at the belly button, which is why umbilical hernias are commonly seen in newborns and young children.
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The main sign of an umbilical hernia is a small, soft swelling or lump around the navel.
In babies, the bulge may only be visible when they cry, cough, laugh, or strain during a bowel movement.
Some babies’ belly buttons look more prominent because of the hernia.
The lump usually feels soft when touched and may flatten when the baby is calm or lying down.
Most umbilical hernias in babies and young children do not cause pain or discomfort.
The size of the bulge may change depending on activity or movement, such as straining or relaxing.
A pediatrician or child surgeon can usually diagnose an umbilical hernia by gently examining your baby’s belly button. The doctor looks for a soft bulge that becomes more noticeable when the baby cries, coughs, or strains.
If there are unusual signs—such as pain, swelling, vomiting, or changes in the bulge—the doctor may recommend an ultrasound to check the abdominal wall and ensure there are no complications.
Umbilical hernias in babies are very common, and most close on their own as the abdominal muscles get stronger. Doctors usually recommend a simple “wait-and-watch” approach, monitoring the hernia during routine checkups.
Surgery is only considered if the hernia doesn’t close by 2–3 years of age, is very large, or shows any rare complications. When needed, pediatric surgeons perform a safe, simple procedure by gently returning the tissue and closing the muscle opening with small stitches. Most children recover quickly and return to normal activities soon after.
Most umbilical hernias in babies are harmless, but you should see a doctor if you notice any warning signs, such as: the bulge becomes hard, very swollen, or doesn’t go back in; the skin over it changes color; the baby is in pain or cries continuously; there is vomiting; the area is tender; or the tummy looks unusually swollen.
These could indicate a serious problem, and immediate medical attention is important to ensure your baby receives proper care.
No. Some people try putting a coin or a tight bandage on the hernia, but this is not recommended by medical professionals, as it does not help it heal and can actually damage your baby’s skin or cause an infection. Umbilical hernias usually close naturally on their own.
No. A simple umbilical hernia usually does not cause any pain. If your baby has colic, the hernia may look bigger when they cry, but the hernia itself is not the cause of the discomfort.
If a child’s umbilical hernia becomes blocked or stuck, it is a serious emergency, and the child should be taken to the hospital immediately.
Umbilical hernia in babies happens when the muscles around the belly button are weak. This can occur if the belly button opening doesn’t close properly after birth, if the baby is born early or has a low birth weight, or when extra pressure is put on the tummy during crying or straining.
An umbilical hernia is usually not harmful by itself. But in rare cases, it can become stuck, cutting off the blood supply. This is a serious situation and needs immediate medical attention. The good news is that most umbilical hernias in babies heal on their own by age 2. If it doesn’t close by then, the doctor may recommend surgery.
Surgery may be needed for a child’s hernia if it does not go away after the age of 2, becomes painful or blocked, or is large and unlikely to close on its own.
Hernia surgery in children is safe, usually minimally invasive, and offers a permanent solution.
An umbilical hernia usually comes and goes with crying, which is normal. Most heal on their own, but see a doctor if there are any warning signs.
If any of these happen, the hernia may be obstructed, which is an emergency, and you should rush to the hospital.
