The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.
Article Translations: (Spanish)
Say: NAY-vul
Everybody has a navel — a belly button, that is! Your navel marks the spot where the umbilical cord was once attached. The umbilical cord is a flexible tube that carries nutrients from a mother to a baby while the baby is still in the mother's womb. When a baby is born, the doctor cuts the cord and a small piece is left attached to the baby. When this piece falls off, the baby gets a belly button! Is yours an innie or an outtie?
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com
Reach us 24/7 for patient referrals, consults, admissions and neonatal transport.
© 2025 Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our tax identification number is 41-1754276.
