From the Guidelines
Babies can have either innie or outie belly buttons, with the type determined during the healing process after the umbilical cord is cut at birth. Most babies (about 90%) have innie belly buttons, which appear as small depressions in the abdomen, while approximately 10% have outie belly buttons that protrude slightly. The appearance is not related to how the cord was cut or clamped by medical professionals, as stated in the study on umbilical cord care in the newborn infant 1. Outies often result from extra scar tissue formation or a small umbilical hernia, where a bit of intestine pushes through the abdominal wall.
Some key points to consider:
- Most umbilical hernias close naturally by age 3-5 without requiring treatment.
- Parents should keep the umbilical area clean and dry until it fully heals (typically within 1-3 weeks after birth) to prevent complications such as omphalitis, which can range from funisitis to necrotizing fasciitis 1.
- Neither type of belly button indicates any health concerns, and the appearance of a baby's belly button has no medical significance.
- It is essential to follow proper umbilical cord care to minimize the risk of infection and other complications, as outlined in the Pediatrics journal 1.
From the Research
Umbilical Cord Care and Belly Button Shape
- The shape of a baby's belly button, whether it is an "innie" or an "outie," is determined by the way the umbilical cord is cut and cared for after birth 2.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests babies can have innie or outie belly buttons as a result of natural variation, but rather it is influenced by the umbilical cord care and handling during the first days of life.
- A study on umbilicoplasty discusses the surgical conversion of an "outie" to an "innie" belly button, indicating that the shape of the belly button can be altered through medical intervention 2.
Umbilical Cord Care Practices
- Different umbilical cord care regimens have been studied, including dry care, topical antiseptics, and natural products like arnica montana 3, 4, 5.
- These studies focus on the efficacy of various umbilical cord care methods in preventing complications and promoting healing, rather than the shape of the belly button.
- The provided evidence does not directly address the question of whether babies can have innie or outie belly buttons, but rather discusses umbilical cord care practices and their effects on newborn health.
Belly Button Shape and Umbilical Cord Care
- While there is no direct evidence on the natural occurrence of innie or outie belly buttons in babies, the shape of the belly button can be influenced by the handling and care of the umbilical cord after birth 2, 6.
- Proper umbilical cord care is essential to prevent complications and promote healing, regardless of the belly button shape 3, 4, 5.