Potbellies and toddlers
Children and potbellies
A toddler's potbelly is nothing to worry about unless the swollen belly is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting. A potbelly should also be evaluated by a physician if the swollen belly appears suddenly, or the child exhibits a short stature.
Information
Question:
Is there any reason to worry about a child's potbelly?
Answer:
It is generally normal for toddlers to have potbellies. By the time children reach school age, the potbelly will most often disappear and their bodies seem more proportionate.
The belly should feel soft and NOT tender. There is nothing to worry about unless the child also has other symptoms such as:
- Belly pain
- Fever
- Hard or firm-feeling belly
- Short stature
- Swollen belly
- Vomiting
References
Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Steward RW. Abdomen. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Siedel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.
Srinath A, Rudolph JA. Nutrition and gastroenterology. In: Zitelli, BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 11.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 1/24/2023
Reviewed by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
