I have a twelve month old and when we went for his last check up, the doctor was a little bit surprised at how large the soft spot on the top of his head still was. She said he has until 18 months for it to "harden" and after that, we would need to do blood work if it does not close up within that time. Has anyone gone through this and does anyone have a child that took longer for their soft spot to close, or is there a chance that it won't? I thank you for any information you can provide.
Thank you for all the helpful input. I fervently prayed over my son when I woke up worried at 4:30am. Things seem 100 times magnified in the wee hours of the morning. Many of you said that your own children had soft spots on their heads that sometimes took all the way until age 2 to close. Some even had the opposite problem of hardening too quickly. In the end, all was well with these children and I have gotten the message that most likely everything will be OK and it will close in due time, so don't worry about it for now. Thanks again for all your responses.
My son had a bigger head than the norm and it took closer to his second birthday to close completely. He's three on Friday and all is well!
-M
Hey G., I have not had this kind of situation, but my son had spinal menegitis at 11 months. I believe that you are doing the right thing by asking questions, but first start with God and ask Him for direction, keep your little boy lifted up to God and I will pray for him also. God is a Healer and He loves your little boy more than you do, I had to learn this the hard way. I would suggest that you get information and know that every baby is different. God is the same and I believe in the power of prayer and change. God bless you both and stay strong and encouraged, everything will be all right...
I'm shocked he would have ANYTHING to say about it. Most medical testbooks say that ON AVERAGE it takes 18 months (NOT by the time they are 18 months) for the anterior fontanel (soft spot on the top) to close.
As is there are not enough things for parents to stress about.... Breathe.
I also agree that it is always different and some doctors do not think they will scare moms by saying things like this, but they do! My son had the opposite "problem" and the doctor said it felt as if his softspot had closed too early. We got blood work done, x-rays, etc. and he was just FINE! All that worry for nothing!
HI G.-
Congrats on your baby boy! All I can say is that I went through the same thing with my son. He had a very large fontanelle in the front ( we could actually see his pulse in it!)and he was just over two years old when it closed. I am American, but currently living in New Zealand, and here they say that there is no cause for concern until after two years of age. So I wouldn't worry at all!! Take care-
H.
My second son's soft spot took "forever" to close up. I can't remember exactly how old he was, but probably around 2 years. He is now a doctor. Do not worry at this time, just make sure you go to the doctor checkups. The blood tests are probalby to see if he doesn't have enough calcium in his blood for forming bones. Make sure he gets lots of it in his food and Vit D too which is needed for absorption. (It is better than closing too early and squeezing the growing brain:)
H.
my daughter just turned 2 and her soft spot just closed. i would recommned a new doctor that doesn't use scare tactics. every kids is different and will their bodies will do things in their own time.
G.,
My second child had also had a large soft spot and it did take 18 months to close.
M. T.
My daughter's soft spot was still quite large at 12 months. I brought it up again at her 18 month appointment(although it wasn't as large, it was still noticeable) and her doc said that it should close up by the time she turns 2 and if it doesn't then we will proceed from there. I am happy to say that my daughter is now 22 months and her soft spot is gone.
