Most umbilical hernias regress by how many years of age?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

Umbilical hernias in infants commonly close on their own as the abdominal wall matures and the umbilical ring fibroses. The defect is usually small, and the herniation diminishes as the child grows and the fascia strengthens. The timing most consistently seen is spontaneous regression by about 3 years of age, which is why this is the typical answer. Some sources mention resolution by 4 years or even up to 5 in a minority of cases, so if a hernia persists beyond the early years, clinicians may monitor longer or consider repair if it remains large or symptomatic. In short, the majority have closed by age 3.