Umbilical hernias are very common and cause the umbilical area to push outward, especially when a baby cries.

Hernias like this occur because of a temporary hole or weakness in the muscular part of the abdominal wall.

These hernias nearly always self-resolve in the first 12-18 months.

Do not follow advice to tape the area or put a coin over it. This does not help and may be harmful. In rare cases, an umbilical hernia won’t self-resolve and your pediatrician will work with you to correct it.

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