By what age does the anterior fontanel typically close?

By what age does the anterior fontanel typically close?

• A. 18 Months
• B. 2 Months
• C. 6 Months
• D. 24 Months

Answer: (A)

The anterior fontanel is the large soft spot on the top of a newborn’s head that stays open to accommodate brain growth and skull molding after birth. It closes as the frontal and parietal bones fuse, and for most healthy children this occurs around 18 months, with some variation up to about 24 months. That’s why 18 months is the best choice. Closing by 2 months or 6 months would be too early, and while 24 months can be within normal variation, the most typical closing age is around 18 months.

The anterior fontanel is the large soft spot on the top of a newborn’s head that stays open to accommodate brain growth and skull molding after birth. It closes as the frontal and parietal bones fuse, and for most healthy children this occurs around 18 months, with some variation up to about 24 months. That’s why 18 months is the best choice. Closing by 2 months or 6 months would be too early, and while 24 months can be within normal variation, the most typical closing age is around 18 months.