My Baby's Hemangioma Is Getting Bigger
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect hemangioma is getting bigger, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in babies, appearing in about 5-10% of infants. They typically grow rapidly during the first 3-5 months, then gradually plateau and shrink over years. Most hemangiomas resolve on their own without treatment, but those near the eyes, nose, mouth, or airway may need early intervention.
Key takeaways
- Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in babies, appearing in about 5-10% of infants. They typically grow rapidly during the first 3-5 months, then gradually plateau and shrink over years. Most hemangiomas resolve on their own without treatment, but those near the eyes, nose, mouth, or airway may need early intervention.
- Usually normal when: A small hemangioma on the body or extremities that is growing during the first 3-5 months of life
- Call your doctor if: A hemangioma near the eye is affecting vision or causing the eyelid to droop, near the nose or mouth is obstructing breathing or feeding, or in the beard area (which may indicate airway involvement)
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines, infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in babies, appearing in about 5-10% of infants. They typically grow rapidly during the first 3-5 months, then gradually plateau and shrink over years. Most hemangiomas resolve on their own without treatment, but those near the eyes, nose, mouth, or airway may need early intervention. At 0-1 month, hemangiomas are not always visible at birth. They often first appear as a small red mark, pale spot, or area of fine blood vessels during the first 2-4 weeks of life. A precursor lesion may look like a flat red or blue patch. At this early stage, it can be difficult to predict how large the hemangioma will grow. If you notice a rapidly emerging red mark, bring it to your pediatrician's attention so they can monitor its location and growth trajectory. It is generally considered normal when a small hemangioma on the body or extremities that is growing during the first 3-5 months of life. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a hemangioma near the eye is affecting vision or causing the eyelid to droop, near the nose or mouth is obstructing breathing or feeding, or in the beard area (which may indicate airway involvement).
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Hemangiomas are not always visible at birth. They often first appear as a small red mark, pale spot, or area of fine blood vessels during the first 2-4 weeks of life. A precursor lesion may look like a flat red or blue patch. At this early stage, it can be difficult to predict how large the hemangioma will grow. If you notice a rapidly emerging red mark, bring it to your pediatrician's attention so they can monitor its location and growth trajectory.
1-5 months
This is the proliferative (rapid growth) phase. Hemangiomas can double or triple in size during this period. Superficial hemangiomas appear bright red and raised (strawberry-like), while deeper ones may look blue or purple under the skin. The growth is most rapid during months 1-3. Most hemangiomas reach about 80% of their maximum size by 3-5 months. If the hemangioma is in a high-risk location (near the eye, nose, lips, airway, or diaper area) or is very large, your pediatrician may refer you to a specialist during this window for possible treatment with oral propranolol.
5-12 months
Growth typically slows significantly and the hemangioma enters the plateau phase. The color may begin to dull slightly. Some hemangiomas may ulcerate (develop an open sore), which can be painful and prone to infection. Ulcerated hemangiomas need wound care and sometimes topical or oral medication. Most hemangiomas that do not require treatment will begin to show the first signs of involution (shrinking) toward the end of this period.
1-5 years
This is the involution phase. The hemangioma gradually shrinks and fades, often turning from bright red to a dull grayish-purple, then becoming flatter and softer. About 50% of hemangiomas are significantly resolved by age 5, and 90% by age 9-10. Some may leave behind loose skin, a slight discoloration, or residual fatty tissue. If the cosmetic result is concerning, minor procedures can be considered later in childhood.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed hemangioma is getting bigger and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the hemangioma is growing rapidly or is larger than 2-3 centimeters.
- Mention if the hemangioma is located on the face, scalp, neck, or diaper area where it could affect function or cause complications.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A small hemangioma on the body or extremities that is growing during the first 3-5 months of life
- The hemangioma has stopped growing and is beginning to lighten in color after 6-12 months
- The surface skin is intact with no open sores or bleeding
- The hemangioma is not near the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, or diaper area
- The hemangioma is growing rapidly or is larger than 2-3 centimeters
- The hemangioma is located on the face, scalp, neck, or diaper area where it could affect function or cause complications
- The surface has ulcerated (broken open) or is bleeding
- A hemangioma near the eye is affecting vision or causing the eyelid to droop, near the nose or mouth is obstructing breathing or feeding, or in the beard area (which may indicate airway involvement)
- Multiple hemangiomas (five or more) are present, as this may be associated with internal hemangiomas that need imaging to evaluate
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice hemangioma is getting bigger — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a small hemangioma on the body or extremities that is growing during the first 3-5 months of life — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a hemangioma near the eye is affecting vision or causing the eyelid to droop, near the nose or mouth is obstructing breathing or feeding, or in the beard area (which may indicate airway involvement).
Related Resources
Growth Percentile Calculator
Plot your baby's weight, length, and head circumference on WHO/CDC growth charts.
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 hemangioma is getting bigger normal?
When should I call the doctor about hemangioma is getting bigger?
When is hemangioma is getting bigger normal?
What causes hemangioma is getting bigger?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about hemangioma is getting bigger?
Is hemangioma is getting bigger normal at 0-1 month?
Is hemangioma is getting bigger normal at 1-5 months?
Should I go to the ER for hemangioma is getting bigger?
Does hemangioma is getting bigger go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Infantile Hemangiomas. Pediatrics, 2019. AAP
- [2]HealthyChildren.org. Infantile Hemangiomas: About Strawberry Baby Birthmarks. AAP
- [3]Mayo Clinic. Hemangioma: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby's Hemangioma Is Getting Bigger.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed hemangioma is getting bigger and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the hemangioma is growing rapidly or is larger than 2-3 centimeters.
- Mention if the hemangioma is located on the face, scalp, neck, or diaper area where it could affect function or cause complications.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- The hemangioma is growing rapidly or is larger than 2-3 centimeters
- The hemangioma is located on the face, scalp, neck, or diaper area where it could affect function or cause complications
- The surface has ulcerated (broken open) or is bleeding
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A hemangioma near the eye is affecting vision or causing the eyelid to droop, near the nose or mouth is obstructing breathing or feeding, or in the beard area (which may indicate airway involvement)
- Multiple hemangiomas (five or more) are present, as this may be associated with internal hemangiomas that need imaging to evaluate
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of hemangioma is getting bigger are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a hemangioma near the eye is affecting vision or causing the eyelid to droop, near the nose or mouth is obstructing breathing or feeding, or in the beard area (which may indicate airway involvement).
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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