Hurt Baby's Fontanelle By Accident?

I accidentally pushed on my baby's fontanelle while trying to grab/right his head when he pulled away suddenly. Have I hurt it or him?

Baby Help Line:

Hurting A Baby's Soft Spot

A baby's soft spot or fontanel is made of tough fibrous membrane and serves as a cushion that protects your baby's brain.

A lot of parents, myself included the first time, are very afraid to even touch their baby's fontanel. But the soft spot is actually more like a helmet for the baby's brain than the opposite. And just think of the pressure on the spot during birth; a baby's soft spot can obviously not be that vulnerable!

Certainly accidents can occur, and direct penetration through the soft spot would happen more easily than through the skull, and of course be very dangerous. But a push is not likely to be dangerous unless it is very hard and hence affects the brain through a high fall for example.

So it is only the case that you happened to push your baby's soft spot a bit while taking care of your baby, it is very unlikely that he has been injured.

If the push was very hard or if you notice any changes in your baby's behaviour (appears extra sleepy, dizzy or anything like that), do contact a doctor.

Warm wishes,

Paula

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Hurt Baby's Fontanelle By Accident?

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Dec 03, 2011

Scared!!!
by: Anonymous

I am a sister of a 2 old month baby girl! I once carried her and noticed she had a soft spot all I wanted to do was run to the doctor and ask bout the soft spots she had on her head! I texted my friend and she told me they where normal but not to touch them hard!! So I darted calming down (: if u are a mother or an older sister like me...don't be scare of soft spots there normal (: it's part of growing up for babies !!!

P.S thank god she is fine

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