A baby from birth to a year is an object of close attention of parents and relatives. Young parents tend to worry and worry even without any special reasons, what to say about situations when the development of the baby does not fit, according to others, in norm. Very often the definition of such a standard is not done by pediatricians, but by neighbor grandmothers, mummies, etc.
In this article we will talk about the infant fontanel. We will tell you what it is, what they are like, how long the fontanelle overgrows, what does it mean early closure of the fontanel, what to do if the fontanelle is badly overgrown, etc.
What is fontanel?
Rodnichkami called the soft, neoconostened parts of the skull of the newborn, not covered with cranial bones. They are formed due to the fact that the bones of the cranium of the baby continue to develop, and at the time of birth are not fastened together as tightly as an adult. The mobility of cranial bones makes it possible for the child to pass through the birth canal. In the first year of life the skull of the child continues to actively form, the fontanels are gradually closed (there were several of them initially). Parents often think that the slightest touch can damage the integrity of the fontanel. In fact, this is not so. Soft parts of the cranium of the crumb are covered not only by the skin, but also protected by an additional layer of liquid under it and a strong inner film. Of course, to observe safety precautions and elementary caution when contacting the fontanel is still worth it, but you should not be afraid to touch it. Often because of their fear, parents want the fontanelles to close as soon as possible and worry because they persist, in their opinion, for too long. Meanwhile, it is necessary to be afraid, first of all, of the early closure of the fontanelles, because if the child quickly overgrows the fontanel, this indicates a developmental disorder in the brain and central nervous system, especially when not only the fontanelle is closed, but the circumference of the head decreases.
The first to close the fontanels on the sides of the head of the newborn. This happens in the first month after birth.
Located in the occipital part of the head, a small fontanel also decreases. In this case, a large fontanel, parietal, may increase in size - there is nothing terrible in this. But be careful - the simultaneous increase in all fontanelles and the divergence of the seams of the cranial bones testifies to an increase in the internal pressure of the skull.
If you notice the pulsation of the fontanel, do not worry. This suggests that the blood circulation of the crumbs is in order. But the fallen fontanel is already a cause for anxiety - a sign of dehydration.
What time should the fontanelle be closed?
As already mentioned, the first side lobes are closed (in the first month of life in premature babies, and in children born on time, the lateral fontanelles very often close at birth or in the first days of life, so many parents are not even aware of their existence ). Non-closing lateral fontanel in full-term children may indicate the development of edema of the brain. Do not hesitate and consult a doctor for diagnosis and, if necessary,
Remember, if you have doubts about the timing of the growth of fontanelles (it does not matter whether it seems to you that your baby is ahead of schedule or vice versa, lags behind them) - immediately consult a doctor.