How the fontanel develops in a baby

The fontanel of an infant is a soft area on the head of a newborn child, where the non–fused cranial bones are located. As you know, passing through the birth canal of the mother, the skull of the newborn is deformed, thereby facilitating the process.

Soft connective tissues of the head are called "fontanelle", the infant has six of them: large (or anterior), small (or posterior), two lateral and two temporal. The lateral and parietal fontanelles close before the birth of the child, but the large and small remain open until the age of one and a half. Their role in the development of the baby is great.

The large fontanel of the infant has dimensions of 3x3 cm and is a diamond-shaped area on the top of the head. It provides elasticity of the skull during childbirth, and also protects the baby's brain from bumps during falls. This is especially important for active children, who in the first years of life constantly "drop" themselves on the floor and hit their heads on surrounding objects. Elastic tissues allow the skull to deform on impact without violating the integrity of the skull. At the same time, the force from the impact is extinguished - thus the child's brain remains protected from serious injuries.

It has been established that the brain of a newborn child grows very quickly during the first and second years of life, the same thing happens with the skull. At the same time, the fontanel of the infant gradually closes, that is, it becomes harder to the touch. It is considered the norm if by the age of two the crown becomes smooth and firm, and the pulsation is not palpable.

Every mother probably noticed how the baby's fontanel pulsates. This is a normal phenomenon, do not worry, because during crying, many children's soft crown bulges a little, tightens and begins to pulsate. Over time, this area will gradually decrease, and until it is closed, you can safely wash your hair, take care of it, comb the baby.

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Many parents are interested in the question: "At what age should the fontanel completely close in infants?" When the soft tissue is completely overgrown, the child should reach 1.5-2 years old. Too late closure, as well as early, adversely affect the health of the baby. With early fusion of the skull bones, there may be a problem with intracranial pressure. These complications can be avoided if the mother does not take calcium preparations uncontrollably during pregnancy. They play a role in the development of the child's skeleton. You should definitely consult with a gynecologist before prescribing calcium vitamins to yourself. It is not uncommon for children to be born with a completely closed skull. This is always associated with a risk during childbirth, both for the mother and for the newborn. And the further health of the baby is under threat.

Late closure may indicate possible malformations in the development of the baby. The most common are rickets, improper metabolism, vitamin D deficiency. All these troubles can be eliminated if you consult a pediatrician. After simple tests, a decision will be made on further treatment. The doctor will prescribe the necessary vitamins, diet and procedures.