Caring for the Soft Spot (Fontanelle) on Your Baby’s Head

One of the first things you might notice about your newborn baby is a couple of soft spots on the head. These soft spots are called fontanelles, and they’re perfectly normal. In fact, they play an important role in your baby’s development.

Let’s take a closer look at the soft spots, how to care for them, when you can expect them to harden, and when it might be time to have them checked over.

What Are Baby Soft Spots and Where Are They?

All babies are born with two soft spots (fontanelles) on their heads, where the bones that form the skull haven’t yet fused. The larger soft spot (anterior fontanelle) is toward the front of the head, while there is another, smaller soft spot (the posterior fontanelle) towards the back.

Why Do Babies Have Soft Spots?

The soft spots do two essential jobs for your little one:

1. They allow the bony plates of the skull to move together as your baby travels along the birth canal during a vaginal birth.

2. They give your baby’s skull room to expand and grow along with the rapid brain growth during the first year.

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When Does a Baby's Soft Spot Close or Go Away?

During your baby’s first few months, both soft spots should remain flat and open. So, at what age do they close? As your little one grows, you’ll notice these soft spots slowly shrinking, usually closing up completely around their first birthday, or shortly after.

What Happens If You Touch the Soft Spot on Your Baby's Head?

Don’t worry! As long as you’re gentle, such as when you’re holding your baby and supporting their head and neck, or during bath time, you won't hurt them.

Right underneath those soft spots is a tough, protective membrane that guards their brain. Lightly touching or washing the area is absolutely fine.

Just make sure you remind everyone, including friends, family, or anyone caring for your baby, to handle their head gently as well.

What Does It Mean When a Baby's Soft Spot Is Pulsating?

Sometimes you might notice the soft spot pulsing a little. This is normal - their blood is circulating, and you can occasionally see the movement beneath the softer area. Nothing at all to worry about!

What Causes a Sunken Soft Spot on Your Baby’s Head?

If your baby’s soft spot appears a bit sunken, it may mean they're dehydrated -perhaps they haven’t had enough breast milk or formula. It’s easier for babies to become dehydrated if they have a fever, have been unwell, or have had diarrhea too.

Other signs of dehydration to look out for include:

• Not many wet nappies

• Eyes appearing sunken

• Mouth feeling dry

• Cool skin

• Very sleepy

• Feeling cranky or unsettled.

If you think your baby may be dehydrated, contact your health advisor or GP straight away.

And just so you know, a sunken soft spot doesn’t always mean dehydration, so it’s best to get professional advice.

What Should You Do If Your Baby Hits Their Soft Spot?

If your baby bumps or injures their soft spot, call your doctor for advice.

If you notice any swelling, bulging of the soft spot, or bruising around their eyes or behind their ears, it could be more serious, such as a concussion. Call 999 immediately if you see these signs.

Watch for the following after a bump: seek emergency help if you notice any of them:

• Crying that doesn’t stop

• Refusing to feed

• Vomiting

• Fits or seizures

• Blood or fluid from their ears or nose

• Difficult to wake them after a nap.

When Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby's Soft Spot?

Knowing when to be concerned about soft spots is important for parents. Very rarely, not having any soft spots can signal a rare condition known as craniosynostosis, where the skull bones fuse too early, causing an unusual head shape. See your GP if:

• Your baby appears to have no soft spots

• You feel raised, hard ridges where the skull plates meet

• Your baby's head shape looks unusual or isn’t growing as expected.

The Bottom Line

Your baby’s soft spots might look strange, but they serve an important purpose - to help your baby through the birth canal and allow their skull to grow for a developing brain.

By about 12 months, these fontanelles generally close. Until then, just be gentle when holding or cuddling your little one.

If your baby ever bumps their soft spot and you’re worried, contact your GP or health advisor straight away.

And if you notice flatter places on their head, it may be because they’re lying in the same position too often. Pressure on those soft bones can lead to a flat area. Find out more about flat head syndrome in our dedicated guide.