How many nipples does a child have?
The correct answer is at least two.
Approximately 1%-6% of babies have more than two. They will usually have one extra nipple but they may also have two as you will see in the image below.
Where are additional nipples commonly located?
Additional nipples can appear along the normal line where nipples normally appear – this line is called the “milk line” and it crosses from the armpits downwards to the groins on both sides of the body. The “milk line” is a remnant of the area where the mammary glands develop during fetal life.
Do the extra nipples have any significance? Do they require a workup?
In the past, there was a tendency to believe that children with extra nipples had a higher chance of developing urological and cardiovascular problems. Today, having access to prenatal ultrasound screening, I have yet to see a child with problems accompanying the extra nipple.
Should an extra nipple be treated?
Usually, there is no need for treatment. If it is cosmetically bothersome, removal by a plastic surgeon may be considered.
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