A Special Connection Before Birth
We have belly buttons because of something called the umbilical cord. Before you were born, when you were growing inside your mother’s belly, the umbilical cord connected you to her. It carried food, oxygen, and nutrients from her body to yours so you could grow. It also helped carry away waste. This cord was your lifeline while you were still in the womb.
The Mark That’s Left Behind
After you were born, you didn’t need the cord anymore. So the doctor cut it, and the little piece left behind dried up and fell off. What’s left is the small scar we call a belly button. Everyone has one, though it might look a little different from person to person; some go inward (innie), and some poke out (outie).
FAQs
Q: Does the belly button do anything now?
A: No, it doesn’t have a job anymore. It’s just a leftover mark from when you were connected to your mom before birth.
Q: Can animals have belly buttons, too?
A: Yes! Mammals that grow inside their moms, like cats, dogs, and monkeys, also have belly buttons. But they’re harder to see on animals.
