Question

The newborn is 44 days old and has a soft, approximately 3 centimeter diameter depression on the back of the head. Asking if this is the posterior fontanelle and if it is normal.

Answer

Inform the inquirer that the soft depression mentioned could be the posterior fontanelle, which typically closes around one month after birth. The anterior fontanelle closes around one year old. The inquirer mentioned that no soft depression was found on the top of the head, which might indicate that the anterior fontanelle has already closed. It is suggested that if the anterior fontanelle cannot be found, the child should be taken to the hospital for a check-up.