What are the two soft spots on my newborn's head?

When a baby is born, they will have two soft spots on their heads known as fontanelles.

The one on the back of a baby’s head is called the ‘posterior fontanelle,’ which is usually triangular in shape and smaller of the two.

The kite-shaped fontanelle found on top of a baby’s head is the ‘anterior fontanelle’. While the anterior fontanelle is usually slightly larger than the other, both can vary in size.

At birth, the head bones of a newborn are relatively soft and connected by tissue. When a mum is conceiving, the new-borns’ head is able to change shape as the bones slide over each other. This process is called moulding and will help the baby pass through the birth canal a lot easier.

The largest part of a baby is their head, so moulding is nature’s way of making it easier for babies to pass through a small space.

As time goes on, a baby’s head bones meet and fuse, closing the soft spots.

The posterior fontanelle is often difficult for mums and dads to feel and usually closes at six weeks.

The anterior fontanelle is more obvious. It can be easily felt as a slightly soft area of skin on the top of the head and doesn’t close until a few months after a baby’s first birthday.

It is important to keep an eye on a baby’s fontanelles as they can give parents clues as to what is happening inside the body. Sunken fontanelles may be a sign of dehydration, while bulging fontanelles can be a symptom of an illness as serious as meningitis.

After birth, a midwife will look at a baby’s fontanelles to ensure everything is ok. As babies grow, regular check-ups with the doctor will tell parents whether or not their little one’s bones are developing normally.