What time frame is expected for the posterior fontanelle to close?

The posterior fontanelle, located at the back of a baby's skull, is one of the key soft spots that facilitates the passage of the infant through the birth canal during delivery. This fontanelle generally closes much earlier than the anterior fontanelle, which is located at the front of the skull.

The typical timeframe for the closure of the posterior fontanelle is around 6 to 8 weeks after birth. By about 8 weeks, most infants will see this soft spot solidify as the bones of the skull become fused. Consequently, 8 weeks is considered the most accurate and common timeframe for the posterior fontanelle's closure. This aligns with normal developmental milestones in infant growth and cranial development.

Understanding the timeline for fontanelle closure is crucial for midwives and healthcare providers in assessing the infant's development and ensuring that the cranial structures are forming properly as the infant grows.