Baby Dehydration Sunken Fontanelle

A sunken fontanel when accompanied by other symptoms can be a sign of dehydration or malnutrition.

Baby dehydration sunken fontanelle. Here s what different changes to your baby s fontanelle could mean. Fontanelles allow the bones of the skull to move so the baby s head can change shape during delivery the birth canal is narrow and the movement of the bones helps the baby s head to get through. If dehydration is the confirmed cause of a sunken fontanel your baby will either receive fluids by mouth if they aren t vomiting and are alert or through an intravenous iv line inserted into.

A sunken fontanelle the soft spot on the top of your baby s head fewer wet nappies than usual. It is important to understand that babies are at much higher risk of dehydration than adults due to their small size. Sunken eyes and fontanelle soft spot with less elasticity in the skin your baby s eyes and fontanelle soft spot will become noticeably sunken or hollow.

The spaces between the skull bones leave room for the rapid expansion of the brain and head. If your baby is suffering from vomiting and diarrhea take them to your gp. If a baby becomes ill or has feeding issues dehydration can set in very quickly.

Dry lips mouth and eyes with tearless crying. Signs of a sunken fontanelle or sunken soft spot. Some baby s fontanels always appear slightly sunken even when they are well.

If baby s fontanelle on the top of his head isn t flat but rather dips inward it means his fontanelle is sunken. Call your baby s doctor for advice. If your baby shows signs of mild to moderate dehydration.

A newborn s head is small but it grows quickly over the first two years of life. The fontanelles should feel firm and should curve inward slightly to the touch. How can i tell if my baby is dehydrated.