What Happens if You Hit a Baby’s Soft Spot
A baby’s soft spot, known as fontanelle, is the gap between the cranial bones that cover the brain. This gap exists because a baby does not have fully developed bones but rather a membrane or connective tissue.
This gap is essential for two reasons: It allows the baby to pass through the birth canal easily, and two, it leaves room for the baby’s brain growth and development.
Babies are born with two significant fontanelles: the larger anterior one at the top of the head and the smaller posterior one at the back of the head.
What Happens if You Hit a Baby’s Soft Spot
The severity of the hit and the fragileness of the soft spot determines what happens.
Mild impact: If the effect is gentle, then your baby will be fine.
Moderate impact: Moderate impact may cause discomfort and lead to wailing, but most times may be harmless. Still, it is best to monitor your baby for any signs of something serious.
Severe Impact: A brutal hit might have severe consequences and could lead to brain damage, bleeding, concussion, and a loss of consciousness.
When there has been a severe impact on your baby’s fontanelle, assess your baby for distress and seek medical attention immediately.
When does the fontanelle become less delicate?
The posterior fontanelle closes first in 2 to 3 months. The anterior one, however, takes longer, taking from 9 to 18 months. The fontanelle closing is a development milestone and helps you to assess your child’s development. As such, either of them closing too early or too late may be a cause for concern.
A posterior fontanelle that takes longer than 3 months to close may point to an underactive thyroid, down syndrome, or genetic disorders.
Pay attention to these milestones and consult your medical personnel if something is wrong. In most cases, early detection is always helpful in fixing these issues.
Other things to note about your baby’s soft spot
Pulsating soft spots
This is entirely normal as it indicates blood flowing through your baby’s body.
Absence soft spot
In rare cases, your baby may not have a soft spot. It is a condition known as craniosynostosis, and it just means that your baby’s skull merged earlier than usual. If you’re concerned about your baby’s soft spot, consult a healthcare professional.
Sunken soft spot
Your baby’s soft spot should not be sunken but level with the top of the head. If it appears to be sunken, contact a healthcare provider.
Bulging soft spot
Your baby’s soft spot may bulge temporarily if your baby is crying or distressed. However, if it is bulged for a prolonged period, there may be cause for concern. So, make sure to contact your healthcare provider.
How to protect your baby’s Fontanelle
Be as gentle as possible with them, and support their head and neck. Provide extra protection by covering their head with hats or a headband.
