It is a common worry for parents, but hitting or touching a baby's soft spot (fontanel) during normal handling will not cause brain damage.
Understanding the Baby's Soft Spot
The soft spot, or fontanel, is the gap between the bones of a baby's skull. It's covered by a strong, thick membrane that protects the brain. Here are key points to understand:
- Purpose of the Fontanel: The fontanels allow the baby's head to pass through the birth canal and accommodate rapid brain growth during the first year of life.
- Protection: Despite being "soft," the membrane covering the fontanel is remarkably strong and durable, providing adequate protection for the brain beneath it.
Can Normal Handling Hurt the Soft Spot?
Absolutely not. As the reference material states, there is absolutely no danger of damaging your baby with normal handling. Gentle touching, washing, and even brushing over the soft spot will not hurt the baby.
What Not To Do
While normal touching is okay, you should avoid:
- Applying excessive pressure: Avoid poking or pressing hard on the fontanel.
- Sharp objects: Keep sharp objects away from the baby's head.
- Hard impacts: Do not intentionally hit the baby's head.
Practical Insight
- Normal handling: Activities such as bathing your baby and gently washing their hair are safe.
- Medical examinations: Doctors routinely palpate the fontanel during check-ups to assess a baby's health. This illustrates the robustness of the membrane.
Conclusion
The baby's soft spot is well-protected by a tough membrane. Normal touching or handling will not harm the baby's brain. Therefore, there is no need to worry about accidentally touching this area during normal care.
