My Baby's Belly Button Bulges When Crying
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published American Academy of Pediatrics, American Pediatric Surgical Association, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing belly button bulges when crying, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Soft bulge at belly button that appears with crying/straining and disappears when calm
- Call your doctor if: Bulge becomes hard, firm, or can't be pushed back in
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to American Academy of Pediatrics, American Pediatric Surgical Association, Mayo Clinic guidelines, 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. At 0-6 months, 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. It is generally considered normal when soft bulge at belly button that appears with crying/straining and disappears when calm. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if bulge becomes hard, firm, or can't be pushed back in.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
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.
6-12 months
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.
12-24 months
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.
2-5 years
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed belly button bulges when crying and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you first notice the bulge (so it can be documented at next checkup).
- Mention if hernia seems to be getting larger over several months.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice belly button bulges when crying — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that soft bulge at belly button that appears with crying/straining and disappears when calm — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if bulge becomes hard, firm, or can't be pushed back in.
Related Resources
Excessive Crying Triage
Determine whether crying patterns need medical attention.
Poop Color & Texture Guide
What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.
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 belly button bulges when crying normal?
When should I call the doctor about belly button bulges when crying?
When is belly button bulges when crying normal?
What causes belly button bulges when crying?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about belly button bulges when crying?
Is belly button bulges when crying normal at 0-6 months?
Is belly button bulges when crying normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for belly button bulges when crying?
Does belly button bulges when crying go away on its own?
References
- [1]Umbilical Hernias in Infants: What Parents Should Know (2024) American Academy of Pediatrics
- [2]Umbilical Hernia: Natural History and Treatment Guidelines (2024) American Pediatric Surgical Association
- [3]Umbilical Hernia: When Surgery Is Necessary (2024) Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby's Belly Button Bulges When Crying.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed belly button bulges when crying and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you first notice the bulge (so it can be documented at next checkup).
- Mention if hernia seems to be getting larger over several months.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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
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 belly button bulges when crying are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if bulge becomes hard, firm, or can't be pushed back in.
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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