KNOW ABOUT THE SOFT SPOTS ON YOUR NEWBORN'S HEAD

When babies are born, they sometimes have these soft spots on their heads of fontanelle. This section needs proper care because it remains growing. By the 18th month, your baby's head is going to become the way it'll be when he or she will grown-up.

WHAT ARE SOFT SPOTS OR FONTANELLES?

When infants are born, their skull is formed from many different bones, and soft or fontanelles are the gaps where these bones have not yet developed together.

- Anterior Fontanelle: This one is huge and is on top of the infant's head. It could be a diamond or a kite-shaped.

- Posterior Fontanelle: This is often smaller and is at the back of the infant's head. It could be in a triangular-shaped.

WHAT DO SOFT SPOTS DO?

- Before Birth: They provide an infant's head the flexibleness that is must squeeze through the narrow birth canal.

- After Birth: They remain open to accommodate your baby's growing brain with in the first few months. 

WHEN DO SOFT SPOTS CLOSE?

- The posterior fontanelle is usually quite difficult to feel, and it normally closes by six weeks of age, since the bones of the head grow.

- The anterior fontanelle can easily be felt like a lightly soft area of skin on the top of the head. This doesn't close until well after your newborn's first birthday; usually by 18 months.

IS MY BABY'S SOFT SPOT PROTECTED?

- The soft spots may seem really delicate, but they're covered by a sturdy membrane to guard the baby's brain tissues. So, you can touch them but of course gently. Also, while massaging or washing, make sure you do not apply any pressure on the baby's soft spots, as they may cause harm to your little one.

WHEN TO WORRY?

- If the soft spots are sunken, know your baby is dehydrated.

- If the soft spots are swelled out, it might be an indication of meningitis, infection, or fluid build-up around the brain, especially if the newborn has a fever and is unreasonably sleepy or lazy.

- But don't panic if the fontanelles slightly swell when your newborn cries, coughs, poops, or vomits. This is quite normal, and therefore the fontanelles normally return to its normal shape once the baby is a clam. If it's otherwise, then you must consult your pediatrician.