Patient's question:
The baby often sleeps sideways after birth, and the head shape is not very round, with edges—is it due to calcium deficiency?Doctor's answer:
The fontanelles on an infant's head typically close between 12 to 18 months. The closure of the fontanelles serves as a window to reflect brain development. If they close before 6 months, it may indicate microcephaly or incomplete brain development. If they remain unclosed after 18 months, it is considered too late, and such children may have hydrocephalus, rickets, or cretinism. A bulging fontanelle suggests increased intracranial pressure, which may indicate meningitis, encephalitis, or vitamin A poisoning. Conversely, a sunken fontanelle may be due to dehydration or malnutrition.