My 6 week old has an umbilical hernia that gets bigger than his fist when he cries & strains. his dr says its ok. how do i know if surgery is needed?

Usually not needed: Umbilical hernias usually do not require surgery - is correct. We usually wait till about 2 years of age & if not going away by then we do consider it mainly for cosmetic reasons and esp if large. If the hernia cannot be put back in ( reduced) or if baby cries incessantly and cries more if hernia is touched, or the skin over it becomes read and swollen - even turns colors , visit ER.