An umbilical hernia is a bump under the belly button that forms when part of the intestine bulges through the muscle. Umbilical hernias usually go away on their own. If your child's hernia doesn't go away by age 5 or if it causes problems, your doctor may recommend surgery.

• Most umbilical hernias are nothing to worry about, but keep an eye on your child's hernia to see if it changes.
• Don't put tape or anything else on the hernia to hold it in. This won't make it go away and may cause problems like infection.

• The hernia gets larger or seems swollen.
• The hernia sticks out when your child is sleeping or is calm and lying down.
• Your child is very cranky or seems to be in pain.
• Your child is throwing up.
• Your child still has the hernia after turning 5 years old.

• Your child has pain when you touch the hernia.
• The hernia becomes hard.
• The skin over the hernia is red or looks darker than usual.

How do kids get an umbilical hernia? The umbilical ring is a muscle that surrounds the belly button. When a baby is still developing, the umbilical cord goes through the ring to bring blood and nutrients to the baby. The umbilical ring closes shortly after a baby is born. If it doesn't close, part of the intestine can push through the muscle wall, into the area under the skin

Why does the hernia get bigger and smaller? When your child does things that create pressure in the belly (like standing up, crying, coughing, or straining to poop), the hernia will get bigger. The hernia should get smaller again when your child lies down and is calm. If it doesn't, take your child to the ER right away to be checked.

When does an umbilical hernia need to be fixed? Umbilical hernias usually go away on their own in the first few years of life. If a hernia doesn't go away by age 5, doctors may operate to close the hole or weakness in the muscle. A child might need emergency surgery if the intestine gets stuck in the muscle wall. Being trapped like this can damage the intestines.