A sunken fontanel occurs when the soft spot on a baby’s skull becomes more deep set than usual. One major cause is dehydration. The human skull is made up from several bones that are connected by ...

A baby is born with several fontanels. These are more commonly known as soft spots. They provide the skull with the flexibility needed to pass through the birth canal. This flexibility also allows ...

A bulging fontanel (or fontanelle) is a medical emergency. Parents or caregivers should call a pediatrician or take the baby to the emergency room immediately if they notice a bulging soft spot.

A bulging fontanel may be a sign of pressure rising inside a baby’s skull, which may result in damage to the baby’s developing brain. It requires immediate medical attention. A fontanel, also called ...