Newborns exhibit numerous enchanting behaviors, such as smiling in their sleep and scrunching up when lifted from their crib. However, they can also display some peculiar actions, like shaking uncontrollably (which is not a cause for alarm, as it turns out). Therefore, if you happen to observe your newborn’s scalp pulsing, it’s natural to feel concerned about the softness of their developing skull. Here’s an explanation of why your baby’s scalp pulsates and when you can anticipate this phenomenon to cease.
Spoiler alert: The presence of soft spots (yes, there are multiple) plays a vital role in your baby’s birth and brain development, indicating that it will take some time before they fully close.
Why are infants born with soft spots?
The human skull comprises eight bones, and in a newborn, these bones have not yet fused together as they have in adults. Referred to as fontanelles, the anterior soft spot is a small area near the front of a newborn’s head where the skull bones have not yet made contact. Consequently, beneath this spot lies only soft skin and tissue, without the presence of hard bone. Additionally, newborns have a posterior fontanelle, located towards the back of the head, which is smaller than the anterior one.
These fontanelles collectively render a newborn’s skull flexible enough to pass through the birth canal, explaining why babies sometimes have a cone-shaped head following a vaginal delivery. The unfused skull bones also allow the infant’s cranium to accommodate the rapid growth of their brain during the initial years of life.
“You require these spaces because they facilitate the rapid growth of your baby’s brain over the next two years,” explains Dr. Nicola Chin, M.D., a pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and an associate professor of pediatrics at the Morehouse School of Medicine.
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When do the soft spots on my baby’s head close?
According to Chin, the anterior soft spot typically closes around 18 months of age (although it may start shrinking as early as 7 months). On the other hand, the posterior fontanelle closes much earlier, usually around 2 to 3 months of age. Should you notice that your baby’s soft spots are closing significantly earlier than these timelines or have not closed by the expected time, it is advisable to discuss this with your child’s healthcare provider.
What if a baby’s soft spot closes prematurely?
While you might be eager for the fontanelle to close, it is crucial that it follows the normal timeline. “We become concerned if they close too early, especially the anterior fontanelle, as it could suggest premature fusion of the skull,” Chin points out. “There are certain medical conditions that would raise our concern.”
During routine check-ups, your pediatrician will monitor the closure of your baby’s fontanelles to ensure they are progressing as expected. However, if you have specific worries, do not hesitate to address them with the healthcare provider.
What are the implications if a baby’s soft spot fails to close?
Even if your child’s fontanelle has not completely closed by 18 months, Chin advises against panicking. “Don’t be alarmed; they will eventually close. I have never encountered a case where they did not close in due time. We will continue to monitor the situation, and most fontanelles are closed by the age of 2.”
If your toddler still retains an open soft spot beyond the typical timeframe, your doctor may initiate tests to investigate potential health conditions. For instance, congenital hypothyroidism is recognized to impede the closure of fontanelles.
Why does a baby’s soft spot pulsate?
Undeniably, witnessing your baby’s brain pulsating can be disconcerting. The rhythmic pulsation of your baby’s brain may appear somewhat eerie and surreal, but rest assured, it is entirely normal.
“Parents sometimes come in and express, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s throbbing at the top and pulsating.’ This occurrence is not uncommon because, as you may recall, there is no bony covering over it; instead, there is a gel fiber layer through which you can observe the pulsation of the blood vessels beneath. This pulsation aligns with the baby’s heartbeat and the circulation of blood throughout the body,” Chin explains.
You might notice an increase in the pulsation of your baby’s soft spot when they are upset, but Chin clarifies that this is merely a response to their accelerated heart rate.
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Can you touch a baby’s soft spot? Is it safe to shampoo their hair during bath time?
Understanding that your baby possesses a gap in their skull, beneath which their developing brain resides, might lead you to handle them with extra caution. However, there is no need to forgo gentle activities like washing and brushing their hair, assures Dr. Chin.
“You need not fear these soft spots because they are shielded by a thick, fibrous gel layer,” she reassures. “Brushing and gently combing their hair are perfectly safe daily activities. You can touch it; as a pediatrician, I routinely assess its size as the baby grows throughout the year, as these spots must eventually close.”
Thus, while soft spots may seem peculiar, they serve a crucial purpose for your baby’s well-being. Should you have any queries regarding your baby’s fontanelles, your pediatrician is equipped to provide the necessary guidance.
Expert:
Dr. Nicola Chin, M.D., Pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Morehouse School of Medicine