What does an indented soft spot mean?
It is normal for a fontanel to form an inward curve in infants while their skull is still hardening. But in some cases, it may become sunken, and the cause may need medical treatment. A sunken fontanel, when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of dehydration or malnutrition.
Is a pulsating fontanelle normal?
In some instances, the soft spot on the top of your baby’s head may seem to be pulsating. There is no need to worry—this movement is quite normal and simply reflects the visible pulsing of blood that corresponds to your baby’s heartbeat.
Does a baby’s soft spot sunken?
The one on the top of the head remains present until your baby is between 7 and 19 months old. A baby’s soft spots should be relatively firm and curve ever so slightly inward. A soft spot with a noticeable inward curve is known as a sunken fontanel. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
How do you know if your soft spot is damaged?
If you notice swelling/bulging of the soft spot and/or bruising around her eyes or behind her ears, it may be due to a concussion. Call 911 immediately. Other signs of a head injury or trauma requiring immediate medical attention include: Nonstop crying.
Why is my baby soft spot sunken in when sitting up?
Sunken fontanelle when sitting up You might notice a sunken fontanelle, or that your baby’s soft spot is more noticeable when he’s sitting up rather than lying down. This is normal and simply due to gravity.
When should I worry about a sunken fontanelle?
Sometimes it can bulge slightly (such as when baby cries), and less often, it can appear to be concave, or sunken. It’s okay if it curves inward slightly to the touch. But if the soft spot is significantly sunken, it’s usually a sign that your baby is dehydrated and needs to be given fluids immediately.
When does babies head stop pulsing?
When do fontanelles close? Your baby’s soft spots won’t stick around forever. Eventually, the bones in her skull will build up enough minerals to completely fuse together, and those gaps will close. The smaller back fontanelle typically closes by the time a baby is around 3 months old, but is sometimes closed at birth.
Why does my baby have a dent in her head?
When your baby is born, their skull is very soft. The individual pieces of their skull aren’t fused together yet, allowing them to fit through the birth canal with ease. When your baby is born, you may notice a soft indentation on the top of their head. This is perfectly normal and no cause for concern.
Does sunken soft spot always mean dehydration?
What does it mean when a baby has a sunken soft spot?
But if the soft spot is significantly sunken, it’s usually a sign that your baby is dehydrated and needs to be given fluids immediately. Signs of a sunken fontanelle or sunken soft spot If baby’s fontanelle on the top of his head isn’t flat but rather dips inward, it means his fontanelle is sunken.
Is it normal for a baby’s soft spot to pulsate?
Sometimes it may appear that your baby’s soft spot is pulsating. This is completely normal — blood is pulsing through your baby’s body, and this movement can sometimes be visible where the soft spot is. There’s no need to worry if you see your baby’s soft spot pulsing. What Causes a Sunken Soft Spot on Your Baby’s Head?
What does it mean when your soft spot is swollen?
Swollen soft spot After a fall, a swollen soft spot (particularly if it’s accompanied by vomiting) is sometimes a sign of head trauma. What you should do: Seek medical treatment right away.
What does it mean when your soft spot does not close up?
Soft spot that doesn’t close If the soft spot stays big or doesn’t close after about a year, it is sometimes a sign of a genetic condition such as congenital hypothyroidism. What you should do: Talk to your doctor about treatment options.