What does an indented soft spot mean?
A sunken fontanel occurs when the soft spot on a baby’s skull becomes more deep set than usual. One of the major causes is dehydration. The human skull is made up from several bones that are connected by tough fibrous tissue called sutures.
Should soft spot be indented?
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.
Why is my baby soft spot sunken in 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.
Why does my baby have a dip in her head?
Their purpose is to give your little one’s head the flexibility it needed to squeeze and mold itself to fit through the birth canal during delivery. Soft spots serve an additional purpose after birth: They allow for the phenomenal growth your baby’s brain is undergoing in the first year.
How should a baby’s soft spot look?
Your baby’s fontanelles should look flat against their head. They should not look swollen and bulging or sunken down into your child’s skull. When you gently run your fingers over the top of your child’s head, the soft spot should feel soft and flat with a slight downward curve.
Is a slightly sunken fontanelle normal?
The fontanelles should feel firm and very slightly concave to the touch. A noticeably sunken fontanelle is a sign that the infant does not have enough fluid in its body. The sutures or anatomical lines where the bony plates of the skull join together can be easily felt in the newborn infant.
What is the shape of the anterior fontanelle?
diamond-shape
The anterior fontanelle is the largest of the six fontanelles, and it resembles a diamond-shape ranging in size from 0.6 cm to 3.6 cm with a mean of 2.1 cm.
Does sunken soft spot always mean dehydration?
Sunken in soft spot This is often a sign of dehydration, she says. It may occur if your child is sick and not getting enough fluids. What you should do: See your pediatrician if the sunken appearance persists and you can’t get your baby to take in more fluids.
Do breastfed babies need water?
Fully breastfed babies don’t need any water until they’ve started eating solid foods. Formula-fed babies may need some extra water in hot weather.
Why is the soft spot on my Baby’s head indented?
There is a possibility that the soft spot on your baby’s head will look different than usual. If the soft spot is slightly indented, it is an indication that the baby is dehydrated. If the indentation is too much, it could indicate malnutrition.
What does it mean when your soft spot on your head grows?
Fluid buildup ( hydrocephalus) can cause rapid head growth and can make the soft spot look “full,” Dr. Recinos says. A bulging fontanelle also might signal internal bleeding or a tumor or mass causing pressure in the head.
How long does the soft spot on the head last?
There are actually two soft spots — one at the back of the head and another on top. The posterior one closes within a few months of birth, while the top fontanelle typically remains until just past a child’s first birthday. Dr. Recinos explains what changes in the fontanelle can tell you about your infant’s health. Sunken in soft spot
Where are my baby’s soft spots?
Your baby has two soft spots, or fontanelles, on his head. The larger of the two is located on the very top of the head. The second, smaller one is located toward the back of baby’s head.