The idea of the 'soft spot', otherwise known as a fontanelle, can sound scary to new parents. Anxiety around how to treat your newborn’s head is understandable, but rest assured, it's safe to touch your newborn's head.

The 'soft spot' is an open area of your baby's skull, which is protected by a strong, sturdy membrane. These soft spots are slightly more vulnerable and require a gentle touch, of course, but shouldn't be a point of panic or stress for parents.

Why do babies have fontanelles?

Fontanelles allow a baby's skull to 'mould' - that is, the parts of the skull can shift and even overlap a little, which enables your baby to navigate the pelvis and birth canal during labour and birth. That's why some very new babies have cone-shaped heads, which tend to settle back to normal very quickly in the hours or days following birth. They also allow the skull to expand to cater to rapid brain growth in the first year or two of life.

How many soft spots do babies have, and when do they disappear?

There are two fontanelles: posterior and anterior. The anterior fontanelle is a soft spot at the top of your baby's head. The posterior fontanelle is on the back of the head.

Fontanelles do close up as babies grow older. This is called ossification. You can expect the posterior fontanelle to disappear around 2 to 4 months of age. The anterior fontanelle typically lasts until around 18 months. If your baby's head spots still seem soft past these milestone ages, or if they seem particularly sunken or bulging, consult your doctor.

Should I be worried about flathead syndrome?

Flathead syndrome is what it sounds like – a 'flattening' of a portion of a newborn's head (generally one side, or the back). Flathead syndrome has not been suggested to affect brain development. There are preventative measures, and ways to try to manage should you notice flattening taking place. To minimise chances of flathead syndrome in your newborn, you can consider these approaches:

  • Avoid periods of prolonged pressure on any one part of your child's head.
  • Switch up feeding positions/which side your baby is resting on.
  • When laying your baby down for naps, alternate which direction you turn their head to fall asleep. Do not use a pillow to adjust head position; babies don't need to sleep with pillows, which can be a hazard if left in a cot.
  • Supervised tummy-time during the day. Laying on their front can improve a baby's neck strength. Tummy-time is an excellent position for many developmental needs for babies.
  • Hold your baby or carry them in a secure sling or front-carrier. Keeping them upright gives their heads a break from the pressure.

Don't worry too much about flathead syndrome - your doctor or health nurse will assess their head as part of their wellbeing checks. For the first six weeks of life, babies' heads can seem asymmetrical or misshapen, but they usually remould soon enough.

You can touch your baby's soft spots. Washing their hair or head or caressing them is fine. Just be gentle and tender as always.

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