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How Long Does Opening Of Posterior Fontanelle Take To Close In An Infant?

Posted on Fri, 7 Aug 2015

Question: Hi I delivered a baby 3 months ago his posterior fontanelle is Stoll not closed has a very little dent when it'll get closed .My baby is not crying for small injury like scratching nails etc only he is crying for hungry sleeping and colic should I need to watch anything for this

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry and observe the baby

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Posterior fontanelle usually closes by 2-3 months in most of the babies but it may take 4-5 months in few babies.Few conditions like hypothyroidism and severe Vit D deficiency,hydrocephalus(collection of fluid in the brain) should be ruled out if closure is delayed.The fontanelle closure also delayed if baby is premature.

I would like to know if thyroid profile has been done or not and if he is getting vitamin D supplementation.Also let me know if he has born at term or before.
The usual head circumference at this age is 38-40 cm.There are very few conditions which affect only sensory system as you have mentioned his little response to scratches.
If the head is not rapidly enlarging in size,baby is active and moving all his limbs,his thyroid profile is normal and he is getting vitamin D supplement I wont get much worried.
I hope this helps.
Please do ask if you have any more query.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Thanks doctor please find the attached birth history and thyroid test report taken after 4 days of delivery .He is taking vitanova d3 supplements and he is active and moving his limbs .And soft spot is very little I can feel only if I touch him please tell me whether I should handle baby head softly and my main concern his sensory organs but he is crying for vaccination injection and if he touch hardly he is reacting but he is not crying wen scratching nails or any toy fall on him .Tell me wat can I do to confirm his sensory parts ate working fine

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get him evaluated by a pediatrician

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back

I have gone through the reports and the thyroid report is within normal range.
According to your history I don't think you need to worry for her sensory system.
Sensory system is best evaluated by clinical examination.
I would suggest you to get him evaluated by a pediatrician to alleviate your anxiety.

Please feel free to ask any further query.
Wish your baby good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (7 hours later)

Thanks doctor he is actually reacting to pains but some times not will consult doctor and also he has white patch in the head from birth my doctor said its normal and I have attached the image of head please check and let me know .Also he is excreting more saliva is that normal

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is nevus depigmentosus

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I have seen the attached image.There is a well defined hypopigmented lesion on the scalp.A single hypopigmented lesion at birth is most likely Nevus depigmentosus,a localised area of abnormal pigment producing cells.
Usually it does not need any treatment and not associated with any other abnormality,so no need to worry.
Drooling of saliva is normal in early infancy if it is not excessive and present throughout the day.

I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (8 hours later)

Thanks doctor still my head not positioned he is 3 months and 4 days old should I need to consult my paedriatician

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would like to closely follow for next 6 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again

The head control begins at 6 weeks and at 3-4 months there is only slight head lag.The complete head control is achieved by 5 months of age.
I would like to know whether he is not able to hold his neck completely or there is some lag.
You can also assess the development of neck holding by putting the baby on his abdomen and to see whether he is able to lift his chin or not.
So if he has started holding his head,there is social smile(smile after being talked to) and he recognizes you I wont get overly worried.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 days later)

Hi doctor while bathing few drops of water going into his mouth since it is not drinking water I'm worried whether it would harm which formula milk is best to give n can we use feeding bottle in which material plastic or stainless steel

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
mother's milk is the best feed

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up
I am sorry for the delayed reply.

One or two drops of incidental introduction of water into the oral cavity will not cause any harm unless the water is very infected(dirty).
I would say mother's milk will be best for your baby.But if due to any reason you are not able to give mother's milk you can give Nan pro 1/Similac advance 1.Make proper dilution of the formula feed(30 ml preboiled water and 1 scoop of powder).
Again it is always better to use katori spoon instead of bottle.If you are using bottle feed you have to take extra precaution,like always boil the nipple and bottle before use.Don't touch the nipple with unwashed hand or don't keep the bottle at unhygienic place.
Most of the feeding bottles are made up of polycarbonate material(plastic one).It is safe to use.

I hope this helps.
Please do ask if you have any more queries.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (27 hours later)

Thanks doctor my baby weighs 4.98 kg on 29th XXXXXXX and that day he weighs 5.3 is that normal weight gain also we will apply oil n cream in his face he will rub his face with hand n out the hand in mouth I doubt whether cream or oil go into mouth please reply at the earliest

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Weight gain of 300 gm in 15 days can be normal

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query

Usually babies gain weight at the rate of 30 mg/day for first 3 months of life.Thereafter about 400 gm/month in first year of life.
This weight gain can vary according to individual.So, don't worry weight gain of about 300 over this period is normal.
Now coming to the oil and cream issue.Most of the baby oil and cream are harmless,unless it is directly consumed in sufficient amount.
So you need not to worry about this.

I hope this helps in alleviating your anxiety.
If you need any help in future you can ask me directly.
I shall be glad to clarify your doubts.
With best regards

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