Understanding Your Newborn's Soft Spot
If you’ve gently touched your newborn’s head and noticed a soft, slightly sunken or raised area, you’ve found what’s commonly called a soft spot. While it can feel worrying at first, your baby’s soft spot is completely normal and plays an important role in early development.
This guide explains what your baby’s soft spot is, why it exists, what’s normal, and when to seek medical advice.
What Is a Baby’s Soft Spot?
A baby’s soft spot is known medically as a fontanelle. Fontanelles are gaps between the bones of a baby’s skull that have not yet fused together.
Newborns typically have two fontanelles:
- Anterior fontanelle – the larger soft spot on the top of the head
- Posterior fontanelle – a smaller soft spot near the back of the head
These areas are covered by a tough membrane, not exposed brain tissue.
Why Do Babies Have Soft Spots?
Soft spots exist for two essential reasons:
1. To Allow Birth Through the Birth Canal
The flexible skull bones can overlap slightly during birth, making delivery safer and easier.
2. To Allow Brain Growth
A baby’s brain grows rapidly during the first two years of life. The soft spots give the skull room to expand as the brain develops.
When Do Soft Spots Close?
Fontanelles close gradually over time:
- Posterior fontanelle: usually closes by 2–3 months
- Anterior fontanelle: typically closes between 12 and 18 months, sometimes up to 24 months
The timing can vary slightly and still be normal.
What Does a Normal Soft Spot Look Like?
A healthy soft spot may:
- Feel flat or slightly sunken
- Pulse gently with your baby’s heartbeat
- Change slightly when your baby cries, lies down, or sits up
All of this is normal.
Is It Safe to Touch the Soft Spot?
Yes. You can gently touch, wash, and brush your baby’s head as usual.
The membrane covering the fontanelle is strong and protects the brain underneath. Normal handling, cuddling, and bathing will not harm your baby.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Contact your GP, child health nurse, or paediatrician if you notice:
A Bulging Soft Spot
- When your baby is calm and upright
- Could indicate illness, infection, or pressure inside the skull
A Deeply Sunken Soft Spot
- May be a sign of dehydration, especially if combined with fewer wet nappies or lethargy
Soft Spot Closing Too Early or Staying Open Too Long
- May require assessment of skull or brain development
Other Concerning Symptoms
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Excessive sleepiness
- Poor feeding
- High-pitched crying
Always trust your instincts — if something feels off, seek medical advice.
Common Myths About Baby Soft Spots
- “The brain is exposed” – False. A tough membrane protects it.
- “You can damage it by touching” – False with normal handling.
- “Soft spots should be avoided completely” – Unnecessary and impractical.
Final Thoughts
Your newborn’s soft spot is a normal, healthy part of early development. While it can feel delicate, it exists to protect your baby during birth and support rapid brain growth in the first years of life.
Understanding what’s normal — and what’s not — can help you feel confident and calm as you care for your baby.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Caring for Your Baby and Young Child
- NHS UK – Your Baby’s Head
- Raising Children Network Australia – Baby Development and Health
- Mayo Clinic – Infant Skull Development and Fontanelles