Why do some Infants have "Outie" Belly Buttons?

Why do some babies have “innie” belly buttons and others have “outie” belly buttons? Is it because the Dr. pulled the cord in a certain way at delivery? Is it because that clamp they put on the umbilical cord was too tight? “Outie” belly buttons are not caused by pulling on the umbilical cord or from anything you do to it.

An “Outie” belly button is determined to be that way at approximately 6 weeks gestation when all of the abdominal contents are outside the body. While the fetus is forming, it performs some amazing and miraculous feats as it turns inside out and folds over on itself many many times. At approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s abdominal contents pass through the hole in the stomach we call the belly button and then, when it is ready, migrates back into the abdomen completing that part of fetal development. When the abdominal contents move back into the body sometimes a little tissue is left on the surface and becomes and “outie” belly button.

There is nothing you can do to change or get rid of an “outie” belly button and Grandma’s recommended belly band & silver dollar does not work. An “outie” belly button is a unique part of your baby’s physical makeup.