The fontanel in a young child is a soft area on the head of a newborn child, where not fused cranial bones are located. As you know, passing through the birth canal of the mother, the skull of the newborn is deformed, thereby facilitating the process.
The soft connective tissues of the head are called the fontanel; the youngster has six: large (or anterior), small (or posterior), two lateral and two temporal. The lateral and parietal fontanelles are closed before the birth of the child, but the large and small remain open until one and a half years of age. Their role in the development of the baby is great.
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It was established that the brain of a newborn child grows very quickly during the first and second years of life, the same thing happens with the skull. In this case, the fontanel of the youngster gradually closes, that is, it becomes harder to the touch. The norm is considered if by the age of two the crown becomes smooth and firm, and the ripple is not felt.
Every mother must have noticed how the fontanel pulsates in the baby . This is a normal phenomenon, do not worry, because during crying in many children the soft top protrudes slightly, strains and begins to pulsate. Over time, this area will gradually decrease, and until it closes, you can calmly wash your hair, take care of it, comb your child.
Many parents are interested in the question: "At what age should the fontanel in infants completely close?" When completely soft tissue overgrows, the child must reach 1.5-2 years. Too late closure, as well as early closure, adversely affect the baby's health. With early fusion of the bones of the skull, a problem with intracranial pressure may occur.
These complications can be avoided if the mother during pregnancy does not take calcium supplements uncontrollably. They play a role in the development of the skeleton of a child. Be sure to consult with a gynecologist before prescribing calcium vitamins for yourself. There are frequent cases when children are born with a completely closed skull. This is always associated with risk during childbirth, both for the mother and the newborn. And the baby’s further health is at risk.Late closure may indicate possible malformations in the baby. The most common are rickets, improper metabolism, lack of vitamin D. All these troubles can be eliminated if you seek the advice of a pediatrician. After simple analyzes, a decision will be made on further treatment. The doctor will prescribe the necessary vitamins, diet and procedures.