What is that bump in the center of my baby’s chest?

Many parents have asked me this question. Sometimes, they can feel a bump at the center of their baby’s chest right below the rib cage.

This lump is the xiphoid process and is more prominent in some babies than others.

The xiphoid process in infants is made of cartilage and is connected to the lower end of the sternum (the bone in the center of the chest). The ribs are connected to the sternum but not the xiphoid process. The ziphoid process turns from cartilage to bone by the time the child is an adult.

The xiphoid process is a completely normal part of human anatomy and no cause for concern. But as always, ask any questions you might have to your child’s doctor.