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Potbellies and toddlers
Children and potbellies
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 a potbelly the child also has other symptoms such as:
- Belly pain
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Fever
Fever
Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Hard or firm-feeling belly
- Short stature
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Swollen belly
Swollen belly
A swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Vomiting
References
Rudolph JA. Nutrition and gastroenterology. In: Zitelli BJ, ed. Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 10.
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Potbellies - illustration
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.
Potbellies
illustration
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Potbellies - illustration
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.
Potbellies
illustration
Review Date: 2/5/2015
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
