A hernia is a condition where a part of the intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, causing a bulge or lump under the skin. In babies, hernias often occur in two places: the groin area, known as an inguinal hernia, and around the belly button, known as an umbilical hernia. Inguinal hernias happen when a loop of intestine moves into the inguinal canal through a weak spot in the belly wall. Umbilical hernias happen when part of the intestines bulges through the abdominal wall inside the belly button. Openings in the abdominal wall are normal in babies, and typically close before or right after birth. Hernias in babies and children usually develop when these openings do not close, allowing the intestines or other organs to push through the openings.

Risk factors for hernias in babies include being born early or premature, having a family history of hernias, and having a weak abdominal wall. Symptoms of a hernia in a baby may include a lump or swelling near the groin or belly button, pain or tenderness around the groin or lower belly, unexplained crying or fussiness, and a bulge that is larger than before and does not regress spontaneously.

Most hernias in babies go away without medical treatment by the time the child is 4-5 years old[[5]](https://kidshealth.org/en/par...