The short answer
In babies, an umbilical hernia is common and usually closes on its own as the child grows, often by about age four or five, so surgery is only considered if it is very large or still there at that age. In adults it does not close on its own and usually gets bigger, so repair is generally recommended. Binding a coin or cloth over a baby's navel does not help.
Book umbilical hernia repair, from ₦700,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
In babies: usually wait
Many babies are born with a soft bulge at the belly button, from the size of a pea to a couple of centimetres across. It pushes out when the baby cries or strains and goes back when they are calm. The ring of muscle around the navel has not finished closing after the cord came off. In most children it closes as the tummy muscles strengthen.
Complications are rare in children. A doctor should still examine the baby once, to confirm it is an umbilical hernia and not something else, and to agree when to review it.
Coins, tight binding and other home remedies
It is common in Nigeria to tape a coin, a button or a tight cloth over a baby's navel to 'push it in'. This does not make the hernia close any faster. It can irritate or break the skin, and dirty coins or tape can cause infection. Leave the belly button alone, keep it clean and dry, and let it close in its own time.
When a child does need surgery
Surgeons usually consider repair if the hernia is still present around age four or five, if it is very large, or if it is getting bigger rather than smaller. Surgery for a child is a short operation under general anaesthetic, and most children go home the same day.
A lump in a baby's groin is different. Groin hernias in children do not close on their own and can trap bowel, so a surgeon should see the child soon and repair is usually planned without long delay.
In adults: usually repair
Adults get umbilical hernias when the muscle around the navel weakens: after several pregnancies, with extra weight around the tummy, with a long-term cough or straining, or with fluid in the tummy from liver disease. The bulge does not close on its own and usually grows slowly over time.
Repair is generally recommended because a small hernia is easier to fix than a large one, and because there is a small risk of the bowel getting trapped. The surgeon closes the gap with stitches and, for larger hernias, a mesh. Most people are back to light activity within a week or two and avoid heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. If you are planning more pregnancies, discuss timing with your surgeon.
Emergency signs, at any age
Go to an emergency department straight away if there is:
- Severe tummy pain that does not go away, or a child who will not stop crying and cannot be settled
- Vomiting, or not keeping food down
- A hernia that is more swollen than usual, hard, and has changed colour
- No wind or stool passed
What it costs on Mezo
Day case in most adults.
Common questions
My baby's navel sticks out when he cries. Is that a hernia?
Very likely, and it is common. Have a doctor examine him once. If it is soft and goes back easily, it usually closes on its own over the first few years.
Will my umbilical hernia go after I give birth?
An adult umbilical hernia does not close on its own. Some women choose to finish having children before repair; your surgeon will advise on timing.
How much is umbilical hernia repair?
For adults, umbilical hernia repair is from ₦700,000. Childhood hernia repair is from ₦450,000. A written all-in quote follows the surgeon's assessment.
Is surgery safe for a small child?
Hernia repair in children is a common, short operation done by surgeons used to operating on children, with an anaesthetist who looks after the child throughout. The surgeon will explain the risks for your child before you decide.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Umbilical hernia. NHS. Patient information.
- Hernia. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.