#asktheexpert my baby is 10 months old.. her soft spot is still there s mall part is this something to worry about

Question

Accepted Answer

It is completely normal for a 10-month-old baby to still have a soft spot (fontanel) on their head, especially if it's small. The fontanels are soft areas on a baby’s skull where the bones have not fully fused yet. There are typically two fontanels: one at the top of the head (the anterior fontanel) and one at the back (the posterior fontanel).

When to Expect Closure:

Posterior Fontanel: Usually closes by 2-3 months of age.

Anterior Fontanel: Generally closes between 12-18 months, but it can close earlier or later in some babies, and this variation is usually not a cause for concern.

What You Should Know:

Soft Spot Size: The size of the anterior fontanel can vary, and a small, soft spot is often normal.

No Worry Signs: If your baby is meeting developmental milestones (e.g., rolling over, sitting up, smiling, and playing), there's usually no reason to worry.

When to Be Concerned:

Delayed Closure: If the soft spot remains large well past 18 months or is showing signs of bulging or sinking, it could indicate a problem, such as fluid buildup or dehydration.

Other Symptoms: If there are other concerning symptoms like developmental delays, irritability, or poor feeding, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician.

If you have any concerns, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor for reassurance. They can evaluate your baby’s growth and development and check if everything is progressing normally.