WHEN WILL SOFT SPOTS BE CLOSED IN INFANT

The soft spots on a baby’s head usually close on a typical schedule: the smaller one at the back closes by about 2 to 3 months, and the larger one on top closes around 18 months, though it can take up to 24 months in some babies.

What to expect

• Back soft spot: usually closes first, often by 2 to 3 months.

• Top/front soft spot: usually closes later, most often around 18 months.

• Some babies close the larger soft spot earlier or later than average, and that can still be normal.

When to call a doctor

• If a soft spot seems to close much earlier than expected.

• If it is still open well past the usual range or your baby’s head shape seems unusual.

• If the soft spot looks sunken or bulging , especially with illness or dehydration concerns.

Why it matters

Soft spots, called fontanelles, let the baby’s skull grow as the brain grows, so they close gradually rather than all at once.

TL;DR: back soft spot by 2–3 months, front/top soft spot around 18 months, and up to 24 months can still be normal.