Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionAssociated ConditionsCaring for the Soft SpotsConcernsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Associated Conditions
Caring for the Soft Spots
Concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Babies are born with soft spots (fontanels) on their heads where the skull bones haven’t fully come together. These small gaps are made of connective tissue. They allow the brain to grow and develop before the skull bones fuse together.
There are two main soft spots, one on top of the head and the other at the back of the head. Each has a distinct shape and size. Certain conditions can change the appearance of the soft spots, which may indicate abnormalities in development. However, a change in appearance can be temporary and normal.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
There are six soft spots present during infancy.The two most notable ones are:
Soft Spots Come in Different SizesAs with bodies, individual soft spots come in different sizes, so it is important to note that not all soft spots are the same.In fact, research has shown that there are racial and ethnic differences in the sizes of soft spots.
Soft Spots Come in Different Sizes
As with bodies, individual soft spots come in different sizes, so it is important to note that not all soft spots are the same.In fact, research has shown that there are racial and ethnic differences in the sizes of soft spots.
As with bodies, individual soft spots come in different sizes, so it is important to note that not all soft spots are the same.
In fact, research has shown that there are racial and ethnic differences in the sizes of soft spots.
The soft spots serve two purposes:
Monitoring the age at which the soft spots go away (when the skull bones fuse together) serves as a marker of development.
When Do Soft Spots Close?The following are guidelines regarding closure of the two main soft spots:The larger, anterior one is usually the second to close, and this occurs between nine months and 18 months after birth.The posterior soft spot usually closes around six weeks to eight weeks after birth.
When Do Soft Spots Close?
The following are guidelines regarding closure of the two main soft spots:The larger, anterior one is usually the second to close, and this occurs between nine months and 18 months after birth.The posterior soft spot usually closes around six weeks to eight weeks after birth.
The following are guidelines regarding closure of the two main soft spots:
For example:
Another thing to know is that soft spots that close earlier or later than expected may indicate a developmental abnormality. For example:
Caring for soft spots is not complicated. In general, leaving them alone is best. However, there are some signs to look out for to help monitor healthy growth and development.
Here are some facts to know:
Why do babies have soft spots?
Babies have soft spots for two main reasons. The first is to provide flexibility, allowing the head to fit through the birth canal. The second reason is to give the brain, which grows considerably in infancy, room to expand.
A Word From Verywell
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lipsett B, Reddy V, Steanson K.Anatomy, head and neck, fontanelles. StatPearls Publishing.Boran P, Oğuz F, Furman A, Sakarya S.Evaluation of fontanel size variation and closure time in children followed up from birth to 24 months.Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 2018;22(3):323-329. doi:10.3171/2018.3.peds17675Esmaeili M, Esmaeili M, Ghane Sharbaf F, Bokharaie S.Fontanel size from birth to 24 months of age in Iranian children.Iran J Child Neurol. 2015;9(4):15-23.MedlinePlus.Fontanelles.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lipsett B, Reddy V, Steanson K.Anatomy, head and neck, fontanelles. StatPearls Publishing.Boran P, Oğuz F, Furman A, Sakarya S.Evaluation of fontanel size variation and closure time in children followed up from birth to 24 months.Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 2018;22(3):323-329. doi:10.3171/2018.3.peds17675Esmaeili M, Esmaeili M, Ghane Sharbaf F, Bokharaie S.Fontanel size from birth to 24 months of age in Iranian children.Iran J Child Neurol. 2015;9(4):15-23.MedlinePlus.Fontanelles.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lipsett B, Reddy V, Steanson K.Anatomy, head and neck, fontanelles. StatPearls Publishing.Boran P, Oğuz F, Furman A, Sakarya S.Evaluation of fontanel size variation and closure time in children followed up from birth to 24 months.Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 2018;22(3):323-329. doi:10.3171/2018.3.peds17675Esmaeili M, Esmaeili M, Ghane Sharbaf F, Bokharaie S.Fontanel size from birth to 24 months of age in Iranian children.Iran J Child Neurol. 2015;9(4):15-23.MedlinePlus.Fontanelles.
Lipsett B, Reddy V, Steanson K.Anatomy, head and neck, fontanelles. StatPearls Publishing.
Boran P, Oğuz F, Furman A, Sakarya S.Evaluation of fontanel size variation and closure time in children followed up from birth to 24 months.Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics. 2018;22(3):323-329. doi:10.3171/2018.3.peds17675
Esmaeili M, Esmaeili M, Ghane Sharbaf F, Bokharaie S.Fontanel size from birth to 24 months of age in Iranian children.Iran J Child Neurol. 2015;9(4):15-23.
MedlinePlus.Fontanelles.
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