Can I touch my newborn’s soft spot?
A newborn’s soft spots are covered by a protective membrane. The NHS says ordinary gentle touch isn’t something to worry about.
The short answer
The NHS says newborn soft spots are covered by a tough protective membrane, so you don’t need to worry about ordinary gentle touch. Ask your midwife or doctor if you notice a change that concerns you.
What the soft spots are
A newborn has fontanelles, often called soft spots, where the skull bones have not yet joined. The NHS describes a larger diamond shaped area near the front of the head and a smaller one toward the back.
The front fontanelle may take a year or more to close. The timing varies, and a general guide can’t check an individual baby’s head or development.
Gentle touch is expected
The NHS says the soft spots are covered by a tough protective membrane and that parents don’t need to worry about touching them. You can gently wash and handle your baby as part of ordinary care.
Don’t press hard on any part of your baby’s head. If you’re unsure how to hold or wash your baby, ask a midwife, health visitor or doctor to show you.
Ask about changes that concern you
If the soft spot or your baby’s behaviour worries you, contact a health professional who can check your baby. A website or care log can’t examine a fontanelle or tell you what a change means.
The NHS newborn guide also describes other early physical changes and when to ask for help. Follow advice from your baby’s care team, especially if your baby was born early or needs specialist follow up.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.