My Baby's Belly Button Bulges When Crying
The short answer
This is almost always an umbilical hernia, which is very common (occurring in about 1 in 5 babies) and usually harmless. It happens when a small opening in the abdominal muscles near the belly button doesn't close completely after birth. The bulge you see is intestine pushing through when baby cries, strains, or coughs. Most umbilical hernias close on their own by age 2-5 without any treatment.
By Age
What to expect by age
Umbilical hernias are very common in newborns and become more noticeable over the first few weeks as the umbilical cord stump falls off. The bulge can be small (grape-sized) or surprisingly large (golf ball or larger). It becomes more prominent when baby cries, poops, or coughs, then often disappears when baby is calm and lying down. The bulge should be soft and easily pushable back in (you can gently press it). This is completely normal and not painful for baby.
The hernia often looks the same size or may seem larger as baby becomes more active, sits up, and uses abdominal muscles more. This doesn't mean it's getting worse - it just means you're noticing it more with increased activity. Many hernias start to close during this period as abdominal muscles strengthen. Your pediatrician will monitor the size at checkups.
Most umbilical hernias begin to close by this age. You might notice the bulge becoming smaller or appearing less often. Some hernias close as late as age 4-5, especially larger ones. As long as the hernia remains soft and reducible (pushes back in), and baby has no pain or other symptoms, watchful waiting is appropriate.
If the hernia hasn't closed by age 4-5, or if it's particularly large, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric surgeon to discuss repair. Surgery is usually simple, safe, and has excellent outcomes. Most surgeons prefer to wait until at least age 4-5 before repairing umbilical hernias unless there's a complication.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Soft bulge at belly button that appears with crying/straining and disappears when calm
- Bulge that can be gently pushed back in (reducible)
- Baby seems unbothered by the bulge and shows no signs of pain
- Hernia that stays roughly the same size over time
- Skin over the hernia looks normal, not red or discolored
- You first notice the bulge (so it can be documented at next checkup)
- Hernia seems to be getting larger over several months
- You have questions about when/if it will close
- Your child is approaching age 4-5 and hernia hasn't closed
- Bulge becomes hard, firm, or can't be pushed back in
- Skin over the hernia turns red, purple, or dark
- Baby seems to be in pain, especially around the belly button
- Baby is vomiting, especially if bile-colored (green/yellow)
- Hernia is tender to touch and baby cries when you touch it
Sources
Related Resources
Related Digestive Concerns
My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen
A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and their proportionally larger organs. However, if the belly becomes suddenly swollen, feels hard and tight, or is accompanied by pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it needs medical evaluation as it could signal gas buildup, constipation, or rarely, something more serious.
My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)
A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an anal fissure, which is a tiny tear in the skin around the anus from passing hard stool. Anal fissures are very common in babies and toddlers and usually heal on their own with simple measures like keeping stools soft. While this is rarely serious, any blood in your baby's stool should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
My Baby Eats Non-Food Items (Pica)
It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Baby Excessive Gas After Starting Solids
Increased gas after starting solid foods is completely normal and expected. Your baby's digestive system is encountering new proteins, fibers, and sugars for the first time and needs time to adapt. The gut bacteria are also diversifying, which naturally produces more gas. This typically improves within a few weeks as the digestive system adjusts to each new food.
My Baby Gulps Air While Feeding
Swallowing some air during feeding is normal for all babies, but excessive air gulping can lead to gas, hiccups, and spit-up. Common causes include fast milk flow, poor latch (if breastfeeding), bottle nipple flow that's too fast or slow, and crying before feeds. Simple adjustments to feeding position, pacing, and equipment can usually help reduce air intake significantly.
Baby Poop Color Changes with Solids
Dramatic changes in poop color after starting solids are completely normal and expected. What your baby eats directly affects stool color - carrots may turn poop orange, spinach makes it green, beets can make it reddish, and blueberries can turn it dark blue-black. As long as your baby is comfortable and the stool is not white, black (tarry), or bright red with blood, these color changes are harmless.