A newborn has two fontanelles: 2
- Anterior fontanelle: Located on the top of the head, this diamond-shaped fontanelle is the one that most people know as "the soft spot." It measures about 1 to 3 centimeters at birth, but can be larger or smaller.
- Posterior fontanelle: This smaller opening at the back of the baby’s skull is triangular in shape. It usually measures less than ½ centimeter at birth.
What does a fontanel look like?
It’s important for new parents to understand what a fontanel looks and feels like. A baby’s soft spot should feel relatively soft and curve inward very slightly. Changes in texture or appearance can be a sign of serious health issues.
How to tell if a baby has a bulging fontanel?
To determine whether your infant actually has a bulging fontanel, first try to calm them down, and then position them so their head is upright.
What does it mean when your baby's fontanel is bulging?
This is known as a bulging fontanel and may be a sign of brain swelling or fluid buildup in the brain. A bulging fontanel is an emergency. It can be a sign of pressure rising inside the skull which may result in damage to the baby’s developing brain. If your child is experiencing this symptom, seek medical attention immediately.
Why is my fontanel bulging?
Other Causes. A bulging fontanel may be attributed to additional conditions, along with numerous others, as possible causes: a brain tumor or abscess. Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection you get from an infected tick.
What is a soft spot in a baby's head?
A fontanel, also called fontanelle, is more commonly known as a soft spot. When a baby’s born, they typically have several fontanels where bones of their skull haven’t fused yet. A newborn has fontanels on the top, back, and sides of their head. Usually, only the anterior fontanel, which is on the top of the head toward the front, ...
What is maple syrup urine?
maple syrup urine disease, which occurs when your body can’t properly break down proteins
Can a tumor cause a fontanel to bulge?
Also, it would be very uncommon, if not rare, for any of these — except brain tumor or abscess — to cause a bulging fontanel, either because the condition is rare in infancy or because the condition happens in infancy, but rarely causes a bulging fontanel.
