When do belly buttons go in

If your baby formed some scar tissue underneath the belly button, this could cause it to protrude and become an outie. If your baby has an umbilical hernia , this could have contributed to creating an outie belly button, too. Occasionally, an outie may be a sign of an umbilical granuloma inflamed tissue , which is more likely to require treatment. Additionally, particularly if the area is painful, there could be an infection present. The belly button, which is also called the umbilicus or navel, is really just a scar from where the umbilical cord detached from the baby.

The way the umbilical cord is cut and clamped does not determine whether your child has an innie or an outie. The belly button forms in an inward or outward direction during the normal healing process.

However, as noted above, there are some usually benign medical issues—such as the formation of a hernia, inflammation, or scar tissue under the belly button—that can contribute to the development of an outie.

An outie belly button often just forms naturally and is not a cause for concern. However, there are two main types of structural irregularities that can form underneath your child's belly button and push the tissue outward. An umbilical hernia is a bulging of tissue under the site of the umbilicus. The umbilical cord, which delivered nutrients from the mother to the fetus in utero, goes through the abdominal muscles, creating an area where a hernia can easily form.

The issue occurs before the baby is born and is most common among preemies, Black babies, and babies born with low birthweight. Typically, for an innie, the umbilical ring the circle that makes the "button" will fully close in healing, but if an opening persists at the site, then abdominal tissue from underneath can protrude outward, forming an outie. Umbilical hernias are usually present at birth and sometimes seem to appear and disappear.

This is often called a "reducible" hernia. Most often an umbilical hernia will resolve on its own by age five. An umbilical granuloma is a small, inflamed growth of tissue, which is essentially scar tissue, that forms at the belly button during the first few weeks of life.

It often appears red, wet, and swollen. This condition is usually not painful for the baby unless it becomes infected. Your baby's umbilical granuloma is often treated either because it's infected or to prevent infection. Sometimes, home remedies work to alleviate the condition always consult with your child's doctor or it may be treated by the doctor. Home treatments include placing salt on the granuloma kept in place by gauze for about 15 minutes twice daily for several days.

This home remedy will often shrink and dry out the granuloma. If not, your doctor can treat it with the application of silver nitrate, which will painlessly burn off the excess tissue.

Other methods of treatment include liquid nitrogen, tying off the lump with a suture until it dies off, or in more extreme cases, surgery. In addition to proper hygiene, watch for these signs of complications if your child has an outie belly button. Monitor if your child has any pain or discomfort at the navel. An umbilical hernia is usually painless; in fact, the only symptom is that the belly button looks swollen or "herniated" outward.

If an umbilical hernia becomes strangulated tissue gets trapped or constricted within the hernia , it can become painful. This is rare, however. As noted above, umbilical hernias typically don't need treatment. Pediatricians can readily spot an umbilical hernia in a newborn but usually adopt a wait-and-see attitude and monitor the situation. If your baby is diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, remember it is likely to heal spontaneously before your child is four or five years old.

In extremely rare instances, protruding intestine can get trapped in the hole, requiring immediate surgery. Beyond this, the few children that still have an intestinal hernia by age four or five years old sometimes undergo a simple surgical procedure to close the hole and, if necessary, to tuck any protruding material into the belly button. When pediatricians including Shu spot an umbilical granuloma, they may cauterize it, which involves drying the skin with a chemical that causes it to soon shrink away.

If an older child is bothered by his or her outie, parents may want to discuss this with their pediatrician. Kids with outies still may be the target of teasing but even that risk may be diminished.

By Betsy Rubiner Updated May 18, If your baby is born with an umbilical hernia, her outie may become an innie over time, as the hernia corrects itself. Similarly, a rare undiagnosed hernia that presents later in childhood can change an innie to an outie.

Belly buttons can even change shape into adulthood. In fact, some expectant moms are diagnosed with an umbilical hernia if the protrusion is particularly significant, but most women see their belly button return to its original shape after delivery. All Information Found on NewParent. What is a Belly Button? Innies vs. Outies Which Will It Be? The Takeaway What is a Belly Button? Outies Birth and life mystery in a little helix curl of child belly button.

New Parent Editorial Staff. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it.