My Baby's Soft Spot Is Closing Early
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about soft spot is closing early, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
The anterior fontanelle (soft spot) typically closes between 9 and 18 months, though some babies' fontanelles close as early as 3 months without any problem. Early closure is only concerning if it restricts brain growth (craniosynostosis). Your pediatrician monitors head growth and fontanelle size at every visit.
Key takeaways
- The anterior fontanelle (soft spot) typically closes between 9 and 18 months, though some babies' fontanelles close as early as 3 months without any problem. Early closure is only concerning if it restricts brain growth (craniosynostosis). Your pediatrician monitors head growth and fontanelle size at every visit.
- Usually normal when: Head circumference continues to grow normally.
- Call your doctor if: Head growth has stopped or is decelerating rapidly.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, the anterior fontanelle (soft spot) typically closes between 9 and 18 months, though some babies' fontanelles close as early as 3 months without any problem. Early closure is only concerning if it restricts brain growth (craniosynostosis). Your pediatrician monitors head growth and fontanelle size at every visit. At 0-3 months, the fontanelle should be open and soft. If it seems small or firm this early, your pediatrician will monitor head growth closely. A small fontanelle does not always mean early closure - some babies naturally have smaller soft spots. It is generally considered normal when head circumference continues to grow normally. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if head growth has stopped or is decelerating rapidly.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
The fontanelle should be open and soft. If it seems small or firm this early, your pediatrician will monitor head growth closely. A small fontanelle does not always mean early closure - some babies naturally have smaller soft spots.
3-6 months
Some fontanelles begin to feel smaller by this age, which can be normal. The key indicator is head growth. If head circumference continues to grow normally along its percentile, the brain has adequate room to grow.
6-9 months
If the fontanelle has closed and head growth is normal, this is likely benign. If head growth is slowing or the skull has an unusual shape, your pediatrician may order imaging to evaluate for craniosynostosis.
9-18 months
Normal closure range. Most fontanelles close between 9 and 18 months. Closure in this range is typical and not concerning if head growth is normal.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed soft spot is closing early and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the fontanelle seems to have closed before 6 months.
- Mention if you notice a ridge along skull suture lines.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Head circumference continues to grow normally.
- Your baby is developing normally.
- The fontanelle feels smaller but head shape is normal.
- Your pediatrician is not concerned about head growth.
- The fontanelle seems to have closed before 6 months.
- You notice a ridge along skull suture lines.
- Head growth is slowing.
- Head growth has stopped or is decelerating rapidly.
- Abnormal head shape is developing alongside fontanelle closure.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice soft spot is closing early — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that head circumference continues to grow normally — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if head growth has stopped or is decelerating rapidly.
Related Conditions
My Baby's Head Growth Is Slow
Slow head growth (head circumference falling across percentile lines) warrants evaluation because it may indicate poor brain growth. However, some babies with small heads have familial microcephaly (small heads run in the family) and develop normally. Your pediatrician monitors head growth at every visit.
My Baby's Soft Spot Is Still Open
The anterior fontanelle normally closes between 9 and 18 months, but some healthy babies' fontanelles remain open until 24 months. A fontanelle that is still open beyond 18 months should be evaluated, as it can sometimes indicate conditions like rickets, hypothyroidism, or other causes. However, many late-closing fontanelles are simply a normal variant.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is soft spot is closing early normal?
When should I call the doctor about soft spot is closing early?
When is soft spot is closing early normal?
What causes soft spot is closing early?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about soft spot is closing early?
Is soft spot is closing early normal at 0-3 months?
Is soft spot is closing early normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for soft spot is closing early?
Does soft spot is closing early go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby's Soft Spot Is Closing Early.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed soft spot is closing early and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the fontanelle seems to have closed before 6 months.
- Mention if you notice a ridge along skull suture lines.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- The fontanelle seems to have closed before 6 months.
- You notice a ridge along skull suture lines.
- Head growth is slowing.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Head growth has stopped or is decelerating rapidly.
- Abnormal head shape is developing alongside fontanelle closure.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of soft spot is closing early are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if head growth has stopped or is decelerating rapidly.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
My Baby's Head Growth Is Slow
Slow head growth (head circumference falling across percentile lines) warrants evaluation because it may indicate poor brain growth. However, some babies with small heads have familial microcephaly (small heads run in the family) and develop normally. Your pediatrician monitors head growth at every visit.
My Baby's Soft Spot Is Still Open
The anterior fontanelle normally closes between 9 and 18 months, but some healthy babies' fontanelles remain open until 24 months. A fontanelle that is still open beyond 18 months should be evaluated, as it can sometimes indicate conditions like rickets, hypothyroidism, or other causes. However, many late-closing fontanelles are simply a normal variant.
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