Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

When a mother notices "soft spots" on her infant's skull, what is she MOST likely advised?

1. To purchase a helmet-like device for protection.

2. To bring the baby for immediate medical attention.

3. To relax as the spots will allow for cranial flattening.

4. To relax as the spots accommodate brain growth.

The correct answer is: To relax as the spots accommodate brain growth.

Soft spots on an infant's skull, known as fontanelles, are natural and serve an important developmental purpose. These areas are not yet hardened bone, which allows the skull to be flexible during birth and provides space for the baby’s rapidly growing brain. The presence of soft spots is typical in infants and is generally not a cause for concern. When health professionals advise parents, they often emphasize that these soft spots are intended to accommodate brain growth and that they will gradually close as the child develops. Most infants have a soft spot at the front of their heads (anterior fontanelle) and sometimes one at the back (posterior fontanelle), which usually close by the time the child is around two years old. The other options suggest actions or concerns that are not necessary or typical responses to the presence of soft spots. For instance, a helmet-like device may be recommended in cases of more serious conditions, but it is not a standard recommendation solely for soft spots. Immediate medical attention is usually not required unless there are other symptoms indicating a more serious issue. Therefore, the best advice in this scenario is to reassure the mother that these spots are normal and important for the infant's development.