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What Does A Soft Spot On Head Of An Infant Indicate?
Question: Hi I have a 5 week old baby. he is breastfed, feeds regularly. but the spot on his head where the bones have not fully formed (I believe its called the fontanel not sure) is sunken. and I was told this is a sign of dehydration. but it comes and goes, some times it seems extremely sunken. and at other times not as bad. should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
Not worrisome unless other symptoms are present...
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
The anterior spot you feel on the head of your baby is called anterior fontanelle. It is usually soft and will be closed until your baby will reach 19 months.
Usually, this soft spot will change position (in-or-out ward) when your baby cries or is straining when passing the motion.
If you notice it sunken all the time, then, I highly recommend to see a pediatrician to rule out other pathologies. Although it does not seem something to be concerned, such consultation is needed to rest at peace.
Meanwhile, I advise to:
- give your baby water (boiled water), but not near mealtime, e.g. after breast feeding him
- if it is hot at the place you live, and your baby is sweating, then, should increase water intake (you and baby). Try to cool the place where your baby stays
- if you have not started to give vit.D supplementation, discuss with pediatrician to start giving him now
- observe his bowel movements; if he passes the motion more than usual, then, he might have become dehydrated. You can give oral dehydration salt drink to him
- monitor his body temperature and look for other unusual symptoms
Once again, schedule an appointment with his pediatrician to rule out other more serious pathologies first. Then, discuss with him/her about the suggestions as given above.
Hope it helped! Do write me back if you have further queries!
Dr.Albana
Not worrisome unless other symptoms are present...
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
The anterior spot you feel on the head of your baby is called anterior fontanelle. It is usually soft and will be closed until your baby will reach 19 months.
Usually, this soft spot will change position (in-or-out ward) when your baby cries or is straining when passing the motion.
If you notice it sunken all the time, then, I highly recommend to see a pediatrician to rule out other pathologies. Although it does not seem something to be concerned, such consultation is needed to rest at peace.
Meanwhile, I advise to:
- give your baby water (boiled water), but not near mealtime, e.g. after breast feeding him
- if it is hot at the place you live, and your baby is sweating, then, should increase water intake (you and baby). Try to cool the place where your baby stays
- if you have not started to give vit.D supplementation, discuss with pediatrician to start giving him now
- observe his bowel movements; if he passes the motion more than usual, then, he might have become dehydrated. You can give oral dehydration salt drink to him
- monitor his body temperature and look for other unusual symptoms
Once again, schedule an appointment with his pediatrician to rule out other more serious pathologies first. Then, discuss with him/her about the suggestions as given above.
Hope it helped! Do write me back if you have further queries!
Dr.Albana
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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