When does a child's fontanelle close?

According to the editor's understanding, newborn babies will have four fontanelles. The fontanelles are gaps left because the baby's bones are not fully developed. However, the baby's fontanelles will close. However, do you know when the baby's fontanelle closes? Today, the editor will tell you about the closure time of the child's forehead, as well as some related knowledge, you can learn about it.

The human skull is made up of 6 bones. When a baby is born, the skull is not fully developed, so there are gaps between the bones, and two areas not covered by bones are formed on the top of the head and behind the occipital bone, which are called the anterior fontanelle and posterior fontanelle respectively. When a normal baby is born, the size of the anterior fontanelle is about 1.5×2cm. Generally speaking, the anterior fontanelle is basically closed when the baby is 1 to 1 year and 3 months old. The posterior fontanelle is generally not noticeable and usually closes 2-3 months after birth.

The size of the anterior fontanelle is closely related to brain development. If it closes prematurely, it may be caused by microcephaly or brain maldevelopment. If the fontanelle closes prematurely, it should be treated differently. Although the fontanelle closes prematurely, the head circumference continues to grow at a normal rate, and it generally does not affect intellectual development. If it is congenital microcephaly, the head circumference is small at birth, and some fontanelles will close before half a year old. Early closure of the fontanelle may lead to incomplete development of the child's brain tissue and intellectual disability, affecting normal development.

Note:

1. The fontanelle can be cleaned during bathing. You can use baby-specific shampoo instead of strong alkaline soap to avoid irritating the scalp and inducing or aggravating eczema.

2. When cleaning, your fingers should be placed flat on the fontanelle and rubbed gently. Do not press or scratch too hard, and do not scratch the fontanelle with hard objects.

3. If there is dirt on the fontanelle that is difficult to wash off, you can first steam it with sesame oil or refined oil and then soak it for 2 to 3 hours. After the dirt becomes soft, use a sterile cotton ball to wipe it off in the direction of hair growth, and then sprinkle it with baby powder after washing.

The above is what I want to introduce to you today about the closing time of children’s fontanelle, as well as some related introductions. You can take a look at it. I hope my sharing will be helpful to you. The fontanelle is a "skylight" for babies to judge their health status, so mothers should pay more attention to the care of their baby's fontanelle.