Baby cranial sutures. . The term premature cranial suture synostosis signifies premature closure of one or more of the cranial sutures. Children's Health can treat your child in and around the Dallas, area. The largest is near the front of your baby’s head, where three of the four major cranial sutures meet. During childbirth, the flexibility of the sutures allows the bones to overlap so the baby's head can pass through the birth canal without pressing on and damaging their brain. The sutures and fontanelles are needed for the infant's brain growth and development. They let the skull be flexible and grow. During birth, the pressure on the skull can cause these overlaps. May 6, 2025 ยท If you’re a parent or caregiver, you may notice skull sutures where there are soft spots, or fontanelles, on your baby’s head. When these sutures overlap, it’s called cranial suture overlap. Altered skull shape is diagnostic and in most cases, will be the primary indicator of Craniosynostosis. The sutures and fontanelles are needed for the infant's brain growth and development. Some sutures extend to the forehead, while others extend to the sides and back of the skull. There are 2 fontanelles (the space between the bones of an infant's skull where the sutures intersect) that are covered by tough membranes that protect the underlying soft tissues and brain. This is often seen right after birth and is usually not a big deal. See full list on mayoclinic. During infancy and childhood, the sutures are flexible. Craniosynostosis is a condition in which a baby is born with abnormally shaped skull occurring in two types. One suture in the middle of the skull extends from the front of the head to the back. org Skull sutures connect the bones of a baby’s skull. op ud6ti yunox aoanh ok1bwu gvp 4vl idhxv rdt6n e1qev