A deep fontanelle in a baby can be a sign of dehydration or malnutrition and, therefore, if it is found that the baby has a deep fontanelle, it is recommended to take him/her immediately to the emergency room or consult a pediatrician to receive appropriate treatment, which can include just some care at home, such as giving lots of fluids, or treatment in the hospital to receive IV fluids or food.
The fontanelle corresponds to the space in the baby’s head where there is no bone, being important to facilitate childbirth and to allow adequate growth of the brain and is naturally closed throughout the baby’s development and, therefore, most of the time it is not cause for concern. The baby should only go to the pediatrician if the fontanelle does not close by 18 months of age.
The main causes of deep fontanel are:
1. Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the main causes of deep soft spots in babies and it is important to treat it as quickly as possible, as babies, due to their small size, are at greater risk than adults. In addition to deep soft spots, other signs of dehydration in babies include dry skin and lips, diapers that are less wet or dry than normal, sunken eyes, strong, dark urine, crying without tears, drowsiness, rapid breathing and thirst.
What to do: In these cases, it is important to take some precautions to rehydrate the baby, such as breastfeeding more frequently, offering more bottles or offering liquids such as water, coconut water, homemade serum or hydration solutions that can be purchased at the pharmacy. Furthermore, it is important to keep the baby cool and away from the sun and heat. If the baby has a fever or dehydration does not go away within 24 hours, it is recommended to take the baby to the hospital to receive intravenous serum.
Find out how to combat dehydration in children.
2. Malnutrition
Malnutrition occurs when the baby has changes in the nutrient absorption process, which may be due to diet, food intolerances or genetic diseases, which, among other situations, can result in deep fontanels.
In addition to deep fontanelles and weight loss, which is common in cases of malnutrition, other symptoms can also be observed, such as frequent diarrhea, lack of appetite, changes in skin and hair color, slow growth and changes in behavior, such as irritability, anxiety or drowsiness. See how to identify malnutrition.
What to do: It is recommended that the pediatrician accompanying the baby be consulted to identify the severity of the malnutrition, as well as a nutritionist to adapt a meal plan with all the necessary nutrients. In more serious cases, it may be necessary for the baby to stay in the hospital to receive food through a vein or nasogastric tube.
3. Diabetes insipidus
Diabetes insipidus can also cause a deep soft spot in the baby and is a disease that occurs due to a change in the functioning of the kidneys, which causes the baby to urinate in greater quantities and lose a lot of water, causing dehydration. This disease is not very common, but it can be genetic and, therefore, be noticed soon after birth, and can also be developed throughout life. Learn more about diabetes insipidus.
What to do: It is recommended that the pediatrician be consulted so that the disease can be diagnosed and treatment can be started quickly, which consists of rehydrating the baby, which can be done, in some cases, intravenously. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe some medications to reduce urine loss.
Bibliography
- MOUNT SINAI. Fontanelles – sunken. 2021. Available at: <https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/fontanelles-sunken>. Accessed on March 18, 2022
- JOSEPH KIESLER, M.D., and RICK RICER, M.D., University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Abnormal Fontanel. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0615/p2547.html. 2003
