Umbilical hernias are very common in infants, with one in 10 young children being affected. They are especially common in babies who are premature (born early).

The hernia appears as a lump in the navel that may get bigger when your child is laughing, coughing, crying or using the toilet. It may shrink when your child is relaxed or lying down. It is not painful.

Most of these resolve by the age of three years. It is extremely rare for them to cause complications. Referral can be made once the child has turned three years old if the hernia still persists.