Question
What to Do If a Baby’s Fontanelle Isn’t Closing?
Answer
The fontanelle on a baby’s top of the head usually closes between 12-18 months. The closure of the fontanelle is a window reflecting the brain’s development. If it closes before 6 months, it may indicate microcephaly or underdevelopment of the brain. If it hasn’t closed by 18 months, it is considered late, and the child may have hydrocephalus, rickets, and cretinism. A bulging fontanelle indicates increased intracranial pressure, which may suggest meningitis, encephalitis, or vitamin A poisoning. A sunken fontanelle may be due to dehydration and malnutrition.