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Soft spots (fontanelles)

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Babies normally are born with two soft spots (fontanelles) on their head: a large soft spot on the top and a small one on the back. The soft spots are areas where the bones of the skull have not yet grown together.

Although they are called soft spots, these areas are made of tough fiber and can be touched gently.

When a soft spot becomes hard, it is considered closed. By age 4 months, the soft spot on the back of the head has closed. By age 2 years, the soft spot on the top of the head has closed.

Bulging of a fontanelle (soft spot) is a sign of increased pressure inside the skull.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.