A newborn’s head doesn’t usually come picture perfect especially those  who go through vaginal delivery . The skull is made up of short, bony plates that are  capable of compressing and overlapping through the birth canal. This process is referred to as molding.

Babies who settle head first in the mother’s pelvis well in advance for delivery or those who endure long labor as well as narrow birth canal usually have a head shape that resemble a cone rather than a nice round   ball. Cone shaped heads are quite normal. Over the next few weeks, the bones of your baby’s head will round out. That is if your baby doesn’t spend much time on his back in any one position.  Spending too much time on his back can result in flat head, which is an easily avoidable condition.

The soft spot

A newborn has soft spots also known as Fontanelles – anterior for the larger one in the front, posterior for the smaller and typically less noticeable one in the back. These soft spots may be found in 1 if not two areas and seem to lack a bony protection. These are normal and allows the  baby’s brain to grow rapidly over the next year. You should be rest assured that these spots are well protected from the typical day-to-day handling of the baby. The soft spot may seem to be pulsating. There is no need to be concerned. This is  normal and reflects  the visible pulsing of blood that corresponds  to your baby’s heartbeat.

Bumps and bruises on a newborn’s head

It is not uncommon for a newborn to have bruises and swelling on the scalp right after delivery. The swelling is usually at the top back of the head. It is medically known as caput succedaneum. Bruising of the head during delivery results in what is known as  cephalohematoma. These are harmless and go away during the first days or weeks of life. It can however result in jaundice.

Some babies are born with a head full of hair. However it usually common  to be born with little or no hair. Those born with hair are likely to have it disappear . This is because any hair your baby is born with will thin out and be replaced by real hair. It is also possible that your newborn’s hair color will change color by several shades and throughout her entire life.

 
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