The most frequently seen hernia in infants is the umbilical hernia. This occurs due to the incomplete closure of the umbilical ring after the umbilical vessels separate at birth. In most cases, the defect is small and closes spontaneously by 1-2 years of age. Surgical repair is usually reserved for hernias that persist beyond 3-4 years or have complications such as incarceration. Unlike inguinal hernias, which are more common in premature or low birth weight infants, umbilical hernias are often seen in full-term infants and are typically benign. Understanding the natural history guides the decision for timing of surgical intervention.

Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 21st Edition.