Where is soft spot

The skull bones do not completely close during childhood because the brain still needs room to grow. However, once the bones grow to the point that they fill in the open spaces, the fontanelles are considered closed. Fontanelles close in this order:. The list above is a range of average closure times. A fontanelle can close earlier or later and still be normal.

Here are some of the things you should know. Although the soft spot is a space between the skull bones, a tough membrane over the opening protects the soft tissue and the brain inside.

So you can:. As with all other aspects of caring for your infant , always make sure to handle your baby gently. With practice, you'll develop more confidence. As long as you do not put pressure on your baby's soft spot, you don't need to worry that you're hurting them. Here are what some changes in their fontanelles could mean.

It is normal for the fontanelle to have a slight inward curve. Your child can become dehydrated if they:. Other signs of dehydration include not producing enough urine, excessive sleepiness, irritability, dry mouth, and crying without tears.

Dehydration in newborns and young children is considered a medical emergency. As mentioned above, it is normal for a baby's fontanelle to be slightly raised when they are crying or vomiting. Both of these actions briefly increase the pressure inside the skull. A bulging fontanelle could mean there is a buildup of fluid or swelling in the brain.

These are dangerous conditions that require immediate medical treatment. A soft spot that is abnormally large or does not close within the expected time frame can be a sign of certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, Down syndrome , or rickets a condition caused by vitamin D deficiency. If you are concerned that your baby's soft spot has not closed after about 1 year of age, talk to your pediatrician.

Your pediatrician will be monitoring your baby's fontanelles in every checkup from birth until they are closed.

If you are worried about their size or appearance, be sure to voice your concerns. It is possible, although rare, for the fontanelles to close too early.

Sometimes the soft spots cannot be felt easily and may seem closed, but they are still open. Premature fusing of the skull bones is a condition called craniosynostosis.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC report that very mild cases of craniosynostosis may not need treatment, in many cases surgery is required to relieve the pressure and allow the brain to grow normally.

Since there is space for the bones to move during the first year of life, any pressure on the skull can influence its shape. Two common head shape issues are:. Especially if you had a long or difficult vaginal delivery, your baby's head may appear cone-shaped or even pointy. Within a few days, though, it will turn into the more rounded shape that you were expecting. If your baby lies on their back to sleep and sits in a car seat for long stretches of time while awake, the back of their head can become flat , a condition known as positional plagiocephaly.

Certain conditions can change the appearance of the soft spots, which may indicate abnormalities in development. However, a change in appearance can be temporary and normal.

This article looks at the anatomy and function of baby soft spots and what to look out for as they change and close. There are six soft spots present during infancy. The two most notable ones are:. As with bodies, individual soft spots come in different sizes, so it is important to note that not all soft spots are the same.

In fact, research has shown that there are racial and ethnic differences in the sizes of soft spots. The soft spots serve two purposes:. As a baby matures, the bone-making cells in their skull create new layers of bone that spread to the outer portion of the skull bones while also strengthening the inner framework of the bones.

Monitoring the age at which the soft spots go away when the skull bones fuse together serves as a marker of development. A noticeable change in appearance or size may indicate a medical condition. However, it is important to note that intense crying can cause a bulging soft spot in a healthy baby. The question to ask here is, does it linger?

If a soft spot is still bulging or swollen after a baby has calmed down and is resting, this may be something to monitor and talk to your pediatrician about. Another thing to know is that soft spots that close earlier or later than expected may indicate a developmental abnormality. For example:. These conditions can be assessed through physical exams and lab tests.

Caring for soft spots is not complicated. In general, leaving them alone is best. However, there are some signs to look out for to help monitor healthy growth and development. Here are some facts to know:. While soft spots may seem vulnerable, the connective tissue they are made of is strong enough to protect the brain.

Soft spots are normal and tell us that the brain has room to grow and develop. By knowing what is expected and when, you can better understand your baby's development. Remember, there is a general range for size and closure of soft spots. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of your baby's soft spots or their premature or delayed closure, ask your pediatrician, who will examine the soft spots during routine child visits.

Your doctor can help rule out other causes and provide guidance on treatment, if needed. Generally speaking, the anterior soft spot the one on top of the head closes when the baby is between 9 months old and 18 months old, while the posterior soft spot at the back of the head closes sooner, between six weeks and eight weeks after birth.

Babies have soft spots for two main reasons. The first is to provide flexibility, allowing the head to fit through the birth canal. The second reason is to give the brain, which grows considerably in infancy, room to expand. Rather, it is a range. But call your doctor right away if you notice these rare but possible signs of trouble:. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.

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Medically Reviewed by Micah Resnick, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. These fragile-seeming gaps on your little one's head allow her brain to grow and grow, but they won't stay open forever. Back to Top. In This Article.