Doctors press on a baby's soft spot (fontanelle) to assess the baby's overall health, specifically focusing on hydration, intracranial pressure, and the progress of skull bone development.
Understanding Fontanelles
Fontanelles are soft spots on a baby's head where the skull bones haven't yet completely fused. These spaces are covered by a tough membrane. They are vital for:
- Allowing the brain to grow: The fontanelles allow the skull to expand to accommodate the rapidly growing brain during infancy.
- Facilitating childbirth: They make the skull more flexible, making it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal.
What Doctors Check For
During a routine checkup, a doctor will gently palpate (press on) the fontanelles to evaluate:
- Hydration: A sunken fontanelle can indicate dehydration.
- Intracranial Pressure: A bulging fontanelle can be a sign of increased pressure inside the skull, which may be caused by conditions like meningitis, hydrocephalus, or bleeding.
- Fontanelle Size and Closure: Doctors track the size of the fontanelles and the timing of their closure. Premature or delayed closure can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions. The anterior (front) fontanelle usually closes between 9 and 18 months of age.
What is Normal?
A normal fontanelle should feel:
- Soft and flat: Slightly depressed is also considered normal.
- Pulsating: You may see or feel a slight pulse. This is normal because the blood vessels are close to the surface.
When to Worry
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- A bulging fontanelle, especially when the baby is upright and not crying.
- A sunken fontanelle.
- A fontanelle that feels hard or tense.
- Premature closure of the fontanelle.
- Delayed closure of the fontanelle beyond the normal timeframe.
Regular checkups with your pediatrician are important for monitoring your baby's overall development, including the fontanelles. They can identify any potential problems early and provide appropriate treatment.
