Question
My son is particularly restless during his afternoon nap, often crying, and his weight and height are not normal. He also shows signs of slow growth. We are worried that he might have rickets. Could you please tell me what the symptoms of neonatal rickets are?
Answer
If you suspect your baby has rickets, it is recommended that you check the bone density at a regular hospital and increase vitamin D intake under the guidance of a doctor. Neonatal rickets mainly manifests as incomplete ossification or softening of the skeletal system, such as a small fontanelle, widened sutures of the skull connecting with the posterior fontanelle, an unfused sphenoid fontanelle, softening or ping pong ball-like feeling at the edges of the skull and the top of the parietal bone, and possible bone defects or pseudofontanelle formation at the sagittal suture of the skull, especially at the top of the parietal bone. Initial symptoms of rickets also include excessive sweating, easy to be startled, and tremors during sleep. In severe cases, it may also lead to issues like O-shaped legs.