Question
When does a baby’s fontanel typically close?
Answer
A baby’s fontanel usually closes between 12 to 18 months after birth. Initially, due to the pressure on the head during delivery, the fontanel may appear smaller. As the skull develops and expands, the fontanel gradually increases in size and shrinks over the first year until it closes. Changes within this time frame are normal, but if the fontanel closes too early or too late, it may indicate a need for medical evaluation.