When does the anterior fontanelle typically close?

The anterior fontanelle, which is the soft spot located on the top of a baby's head where the frontal and parietal bones meet, typically closes by 18 months of age. This closure is a natural part of the growth and development of an infant's skull, allowing for the necessary flexibility during birth and accommodating the rapid brain growth that occurs in the first year of life.

By around 18 months, the bones of the skull have generally fused adequately to protect the brain while providing a supportive structure for the head. While the anterior fontanelle can sometimes close a little sooner or later depending on individual development, 18 months is the standard expectation. This timeframe is critical in monitoring growth and development milestones in pediatrics and midwifery practice, as changes in the fontanelles can sometimes indicate health issues.

Closure by 6 months, 12 months, or 24 months do not align with the typical developmental schedule observed in infants, which helps specify why 18 months is the precise answer in the context of a normal growth pattern.