When does the baby's fontanelle close?

The early or late closure of the fontanelle is an important factor in measuring the baby's skull development. Closing too early or too late is not conducive to the baby's growth and development. Generally, the child's fontanelle closes at about 12 to 18 months. Parents should understand this aspect and pay attention to the cleaning of the fontanelle. When washing the baby's hair, the movements must be gentle.

Closing time

The fontanelle on the top of the infant's head usually closes at 12-18 months. The closure of the fontanelle is a window that reflects the development of the brain. If it closes before 6 months, it means that the child may have microcephaly or brain hypoplasia. If it has not closed after 18 months, it is too late. Such children may have hydrocephalus, rickets and cretinism; a bulging fontanelle indicates increased intracranial pressure, and such children may have meningitis, encephalitis and vitamin A poisoning; children with a sunken fontanelle may be suffering from dehydration and malnutrition. If the fontanelle closes early, there is no need to worry as long as the head circumference is still growing. If you find that the fontanelle is closed abnormally, you should take your child to the hospital immediately for further examination.

Fontanelle cleaning method

1. The fontanelle is the gap left when the skull is not fully developed when the fetus is born. The posterior fontanelle usually closes within three months after birth, and the anterior fontanelle closes at approximately 1 to 1.5 years after birth. Since the fontanelle is not covered by a hard skull, it should be protected to prevent brain damage.

2. When washing your baby's hair. The fontanelle can be washed, but be gentle and do not scratch it with your fingers. The water for washing your hair should not be too hot, but warm water.

3. Some babies have some yellow-brown greasy scales on their scalp. This is infant seborrheic dermatitis. You can use sterilized cotton to dip some paraffin oil or refined and cooled vegetable oil and apply it on the scales. After it softens, gently wipe it off with sterilized cotton. Never peel it off forcibly. This disease can heal itself and there is no need to apply any medicine as long as there is no infection. When washing the baby's hair, because the baby's skin is delicate, it is better to use a neutral soap with less irritation.