When does a fontanel overgrow in a newborn and what should I pay attention to?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

A soft pulsating fontanel is one of the main indicators of the correct development of a child. At each visit, the pediatrician will check his condition.

When does the fontanel of a newborn overgrow? To answer this question, let's turn to physiology.

The bones of the skull of a newborn are plastic. The skull is not one whole and consists of separate parts. Lock-like seams and fontanelles connect these parts.

The shape of the baby's head depends on how the birth proceeded. With cephalic presentation, a slight deformity can be observed, the skull is slightly extended into an oval. If the presentation is breech, the back of the head of the crumbs protrudes somewhat, and the top of the head is slightly flattened. If the baby was born by caesarean section, then his head has the correct shape.

Very soon the baby's head will take its physiological size. This will happen in a few days. If there was intrauterine deformation, then it will take from two weeks to a month. The pediatrician will monitor the dynamics of overgrowth of the fontanel.

So, when does the fontanel in newborns overgrow? By threefor months, its size should be 2.4-2.2 cm. At six months - 2.1-1.8 cm. In one year, the fontanel will close completely, or its size will be within 1 cm.

Due to the open space between the bones of the skull, the baby has the opportunity to fully develop: thanks to this space, the cranium increases, and there is room for the growth of brain tissue.

However, there are situations when the fontanel of a newborn overgrows later or before the due date.

Slow overgrowing indicates that the baby develops rickets or a metabolic disorder. In this case, the child should take vitamin D supplements. Also, you should walk outside longer in sunny weather.

If the fontanel in newborns quickly overgrows, then perhaps this is due to hypervitaminosis and can cause increased intracranial pressure. Such babies do not need additional vitamin D intake. If the baby is breastfed, then you should consult a doctor about diet and medication. Calcium preparations and fermented milk products, which are present in large quantities on the mother's menu, can provoke a rapid closure of the fontanel in the baby.

When does the fontanel of a newborn completely overgrow and what should I pay attention to? Normally, any fontanel should close by 12-18 months. But sometimes it can drag on after six months. If this did not affect the behavior or well-being of the crumbs, then you should not worry. But sour-milk complementary foods in the diet of such children needenter a little later.

Pay attention to the external changes in the fontanel.

Sagging in the first weeks of a baby's life indicates a delayed pregnancy. If this is observed later, then the baby is losing fluid or malnourished. This can often be caused by diarrhea or vomiting.

Protrusion of the fontanel signals intracranial pressure. In this case, you need to visit a neurologist. If the fontanel protrudes while crying, then you should not worry. This is fine. You just need to calm the little one down soon.

It is very important for parents to know when the fontanel of a newborn overgrows. This will help not to miss a possible developing ailment.