Question

A colleague’s newborn recently had a medical examination where it was discovered that there is an issue with the fontanelle. The family has limited medical knowledge and hopes to understand the solutions to infant fontanelle problems.

Answer

Infants have two types of fontanelles: the anterior fontanelle and the posterior fontanelle, with the posterior fontanelle closing earlier and the anterior fontanelle closing later. The size of a newborn’s anterior fontanelle is approximately 1.5 to 2 centimeters and is diamond-shaped. If there are issues with the fontanelle, it is advisable to take the infant to the hospital for a detailed diagnosis so that targeted treatment can be administered. An elevated anterior fontanelle may indicate increased intracranial pressure, while a sunken anterior fontanelle may be related to dehydration or malnutrition. It is recommended to follow the professional diagnoses and treatment suggestions of the doctor to ensure the infant’s health.