When the fontanel overgrows in a child

What is a fontanel

The fontanel is a non-ossified part of the skull in a newborn. The fact is that the skull consists of several bones, which together form a “box” for the brain. Outside are frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital bones. Adults have tight seams between them to ensure strength. Children also need the head to be able to pass through the birth canal. Therefore, the bones do not fuse immediately, but are loosely connected in order to be mobile relative to each other. It also creates some margin for head growth during the first year of life.

It may seem that these are holes covered with skin. In fact, the fontanelles are covered with dense membranes. By the time of birth, the child may have six fontanelles, but visible from the side there are only two - the front in the shape of a rhombus and the triangular rear. As they grow older, they close, seams appear, which harden due to minerals.

When fontanelles overgrow in a child

Lateral small fontanelles are usually not palpable, so their size and timing of closure are not assessed. They usually close for delivery at full term. pregnancy or soon after. Posterior fontanel overgrows to about two months of life, and the anterior requires from 4 to 26 months.

What to do if the fontanel closes too soon or too late

At routine examinations, the pediatrician usually examines the fontanel, because both early and late closure may be a symptom of diseases, such as hereditary diseases, intrauterine disorders, or rickets. Therefore, it is better not to miss visits. If you think that something is wrong with the fontanel, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.