The fontanelles in your baby may provide information about their health. Here are the possible changes in the fontanelles and what they stand for.
Being a parent is always being over-cautious about the needs of your infant. While your little one can't communicate what they feel, a few signs to watch out for are reflected in their soft spot. Read on to know them all.
Sunken Fontanelles
It's normal for the fontanelle to have an inward curve. But a fontanelle that is sunk into your child's head may be an indication of dehydration. This happens if they're not drinking enough fluids or taking out more water than they're absorbing. Dehydration in newborns is regarded as medical emergencies. If your child shows symptoms of dehydration, contact your pediatrician immediately.
Bulging Fontanelles
Babies' fontanelle slightly raises when they cry. These actions can briefly raise the pressure inside the skull. If the baby's mouth continues to expand after the baby ceases crying, or if it appears heavy and swollen while the baby rests in a reclining position, it could be an indication of a health issue. A bulging fontanelle could indicate a buildup of fluid or swelling within the brain. These are serious situations that require prompt medical treatment.
Very Large Fontanelles
If the soft spot appears to be very large and fails to close within the anticipated timeframe, it can signify medical conditions like hypothyroidism, Down syndrome, or Rickets. If you're concerned that the soft spot of your baby isn't closed up after 1 year old, talk to your pediatric physician about it.The pediatrician caring for you will observe the baby's fontanelles at every visit starting at birth until they're shut. If you're concerned over their dimensions or look, ensure that you express your concerns.
Fontanelles Closes Too Soon
The fontanelles can shut too soon. Sometimes, the soft spots cannot be easily felt and appear closed, yet they're still open. The skull is fused prematurely by bones is known as craniosynostosis. The condition alters the growth of the brain and the shape of the infant's head. Another consequence of skull bones fusing too quickly can be pressure building up in the baby's skull. Although such mild cases of craniosynostosis do not require treatment, in many instances, surgical intervention could be needed to ease this pressure and allow the brain to develop normally.
