#asktheexperts what to do for my baby's naval swelled

Question

Accepted Answer

If your baby’s navel (belly button area) is swollen, it could be due to a few common reasons:

Possible causes: Umbilical granuloma: A small, red, swollen lump of tissue that can form during healing. Umbilical hernia: A soft bulge under the skin near the navel, often visible when the baby cries or strains. Infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or foul smell around the navel may indicate infection. What you can do at home: Keep the area clean and dry: Gently clean with plain water and pat dry. Avoid using alcohol unless directed by your doctor. Avoid covering the navel with tight diapers: Fold the diaper below the navel to keep it exposed to air. Watch for signs of infection: Fever, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or your baby being unusually irritable. When to see a doctor urgently: If the swelling is large, painful, or getting bigger. If there’s redness spreading around the navel. If there’s pus or foul-smelling discharge. If your baby has fever or seems unwell.

Umbilical hernias usually resolve on their own by age 1 or 2, but infections need prompt medical treatment.

If you want, I can help you understand how to care for the navel daily or help you decide when to visit the doctor.