My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published NIH, AAP, DermNet guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing has an extra nipple (accessory nipple), here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.
Key takeaways
- Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.
- Usually normal when: Your baby has a small bump along the milk line that your pediatrician has identified as an accessory nipple — this is common and benign
- Call your doctor if: The area around the accessory nipple becomes severely swollen, red, and painful — this may indicate infection in underlying accessory breast tissue (rare) and needs medical evaluation
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to NIH, AAP, DermNet guidelines, accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies. At 0-6 months, accessory nipples may be noticed at birth or during early pediatric visits. They typically appear below the normal nipples, on the chest or abdomen, along the milk line. They may look like a small, slightly raised bump with a lighter colored center, or simply like a flat mole. Your pediatrician may note it in the chart. Depending on your pediatrician's practice, they may recommend a kidney ultrasound to screen for renal anomalies — this is a precautionary measure based on older studies showing a possible association. It is generally considered normal when your baby has a small bump along the milk line that your pediatrician has identified as an accessory nipple — this is common and benign. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if the area around the accessory nipple becomes severely swollen, red, and painful — this may indicate infection in underlying accessory breast tissue (rare) and needs medical evaluation.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Accessory nipples may be noticed at birth or during early pediatric visits. They typically appear below the normal nipples, on the chest or abdomen, along the milk line. They may look like a small, slightly raised bump with a lighter colored center, or simply like a flat mole. Your pediatrician may note it in the chart. Depending on your pediatrician's practice, they may recommend a kidney ultrasound to screen for renal anomalies — this is a precautionary measure based on older studies showing a possible association.
6 months - childhood
Accessory nipples typically remain small and inconspicuous during childhood. They do not cause any symptoms or health problems. No treatment is needed. If a renal ultrasound was recommended and comes back normal, no further follow-up is needed. The accessory nipple itself will remain as a permanent, benign finding.
Puberty
At puberty, accessory nipples may enlarge slightly or darken due to hormonal changes, similar to regular nipples. In rare cases, accessory breast tissue (not just a nipple) may be present and can enlarge at puberty. If the area becomes uncomfortable or cosmetically concerning, surgical removal is straightforward. Accessory nipples do not increase cancer risk.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you notice a new bump on your baby's chest or abdomen that you are unsure about.
- Mention if the accessory nipple area becomes red, swollen, or painful.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby has a small bump along the milk line that your pediatrician has identified as an accessory nipple — this is common and benign
- The accessory nipple is flat, painless, and not changing
- A renal ultrasound (if performed) was normal
- You notice a new bump on your baby's chest or abdomen that you are unsure about
- The accessory nipple area becomes red, swollen, or painful
- You notice swelling or a mass near the accessory nipple, especially during puberty
- Your family has a history of kidney problems and your baby has an accessory nipple
- The area around the accessory nipple becomes severely swollen, red, and painful — this may indicate infection in underlying accessory breast tissue (rare) and needs medical evaluation
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby has a small bump along the milk line that your pediatrician has identified as an accessory nipple — this is common and benign — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if the area around the accessory nipple becomes severely swollen, red, and painful — this may indicate infection in underlying accessory breast tissue (rare) and needs medical evaluation.
Related Conditions
Related Resources
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) normal?
When should I call the doctor about has an extra nipple (accessory nipple)?
When is has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) normal?
What causes has an extra nipple (accessory nipple)?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has an extra nipple (accessory nipple)?
Is has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) normal at 0-6 months?
Is has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) normal at 6 months - childhood?
Should I go to the ER for has an extra nipple (accessory nipple)?
Does has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple).
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you notice a new bump on your baby's chest or abdomen that you are unsure about.
- Mention if the accessory nipple area becomes red, swollen, or painful.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You notice a new bump on your baby's chest or abdomen that you are unsure about
- The accessory nipple area becomes red, swollen, or painful
- You notice swelling or a mass near the accessory nipple, especially during puberty
Urgent signs to report immediately
- The area around the accessory nipple becomes severely swollen, red, and painful — this may indicate infection in underlying accessory breast tissue (rare) and needs medical evaluation
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of has an extra nipple (accessory nipple) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the area around the accessory nipple becomes severely swollen, red, and painful — this may indicate infection in underlying accessory breast tissue (rare) and needs medical evaluation.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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