Question
How Long Should a Baby’s Fontanelle Take to Close?
Answer
The fontanelle, also known as the “soft spot” on a baby’s head at birth, is a bony-free area. The posterior fontanelle typically closes within three months after birth, while the anterior fontanelle takes until 1.5 years to close. Commonly referred to as the “soft spot” or “fontanelle,” this primarily refers to the anterior fontanelle. It can reach up to 2.5-3 centimeters in size by around 6 months, after which it gradually shrinks as the skull bones ossify. Some children may have their anterior fontanelle close by the age of 1, but it should definitely close by the age of 1.5 years.