The soft spots on your newborns head is known as the fontanelle.  There are two soft spots on the baby’s head and they may vary slightly in size. The one of the back of your baby’s  head is known as the posterior fontanelle.  It is usually smaller  than the other soft spot and  triangular in shape. The one at the top  of the head is known as the anterior fontanelle , larger and diamond or kite shaped.

A newborn’s head bones are relatively soft and connected by tissues. As your baby passes through the  birth canal, the head is able to change shape  because the bones slide over each other. This is known as moulding and this process helps the baby get through the birth canal.

Eventually the baby’s head bones will meet and fuse and as a result the soft spot will close. The posterior fontanelle closes around 6 weeks and is the most difficult to feel. The anterior fontanelle on the other hand is more obvious and does not close until well after the baby’s first birthday, usually after 18 months.

What can  your baby’s fontanelle tell you.

It is important to keep an eye on your baby’s soft spot. It may give you certain clues such as the following

• sunken fontanelle may be a sign of dehydration
• bulging fontanelle may be a sign of serious illness such as meningitis

If you are wondering if your baby’s soft spot is normal or not, talk to your doctor. At birth,  your baby’s pediatrician or midwife will check the soft spot  . This is a routine check.

As your baby grows , the health care provider will check the baby’s soft spots to see if the baby’s head bones are developing normally.