It is normal for a fontanel to form an inward curve in infants while their skull is still hardening. But in some cases, it may become sunken, and the cause may need medical treatment. A sunken fontanel, when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of dehydration or malnutrition.
How do I know if my baby’s soft spot is sunken?
You may never be able to feel or see this one. The one on the top of the head remains present until your baby is between 7 and 19 months old. A baby’s soft spots should be relatively firm and curve ever so slightly inward. A soft spot with a noticeable inward curve is known as a sunken fontanel.
Why is my soft spot indented?
This is often a sign of dehydration, she says. It may occur if your child is sick and not getting enough fluids. What you should do: See your pediatrician if the sunken appearance persists and you can’t get your baby to take in more fluids.
When should I be concerned about a sunken soft spot?
Sometimes it can bulge slightly (such as when baby cries), and less often, it can appear to be concave, or sunken. It’s okay if it curves inward slightly to the touch. But if the soft spot is significantly sunken, it’s usually a sign that your baby is dehydrated and needs to be given fluids immediately.
Does a sunken fontanelle always mean dehydration?
The normal anterior fontanelle is located about one third of the way back on the top of your baby’s head. It curves in a bit and feels firm to the touch. A sunken fontanelle can be a sign of dehydration.
How do you hydrate a baby?
Give your child small sips of oral rehydration solution as often as possible, about 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 milliliters) every few minutes. Babies can continue to breastfeed or take formula, as long as they are not vomiting repeatedly. Older children also can have electrolyte ice pops.
Is it normal for newborn to have dent in head?
When your baby is born, their skull is very soft. The individual pieces of their skull aren’t fused together yet, allowing them to fit through the birth canal with ease. When your baby is born, you may notice a soft indentation on the top of their head. This is perfectly normal and no cause for concern.
When should you worry about dehydration in a baby?
Call your doctor if you notice any symptoms of dehydration. It can get serious fast. Let your doctor know right away if your newborn baby isn’t able to suck from the breast or a bottle or if they’re not able to hold any milk down and are spitting up and vomiting a lot.
Is a slightly sunken fontanelle normal?
The fontanelles should feel firm and very slightly concave to the touch. A noticeably sunken fontanelle is a sign that the infant does not have enough fluid in its body. The sutures or anatomical lines where the bony plates of the skull join together can be easily felt in the newborn infant.
How do you know if a baby is dehydrated?
Dehydration occurs when an infant or child loses so much body fluid that they are not able to maintain ordinary function. The warning signs can include dry skin, tongue and lips, rapid breathing, fewer wet diapers and tearless crying.
Why do babies soft spot sink in?
Two serious causes for a persistently sunken soft spot include: Dehydration: When a baby has a lot of vomiting or diarrhea they can get dehydrated. This is a very serious condition (usually accompanied by very little pee—that is dark yellow in color—and a dry mouth).
When should I worry about my fontanelle?
See your doctor if your infant doesn’t seem to have soft spots, if the soft spot on top of your baby’s head closes up too soon or you’re concerned about the shape of your little one’s head. In many cases, a misshapen head is harmless, but it’s important to have it checked out in case any treatment is needed.
