Craniotabes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Sumiran Racherla, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Craniotabes?
A pediatrician, a doctor who cares for babies and children, usually finds and follows craniotabes, often at a well-baby check. A pediatric endocrinologist, a children's hormone and bone doctor, may help if another bone problem is suspected. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is craniotabes?
Craniotabes is a softening of the skull bones. Another name for it is congenital cranial osteoporosis.
It can be a normal finding in infants, particularly babies born early. It may occur in up to one third of all newborn babies. It is harmless in a newborn, unless it is linked to other problems.
Symptoms
Craniotabes is found when a doctor examines the baby. Signs include:
- Soft areas of the skull, especially along the suture line, where skull bones meet.
- Soft areas that pop in and out.
- Bones that feel soft, flexible, and thin along the suture lines.
When a doctor presses on the soft area, the skull collapses inward and then springs back. Doctors call this the ping-pong ball effect.
Causes and who gets it
Craniotabes can be linked to other conditions, including rickets, congenital syphilis, and osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition of brittle bones.
In otherwise healthy newborns, craniotabes is often linked to low vitamin D during pregnancy. A baby's vitamin D level depends on the mother's level.
Rickets causes soft, weak bones in children. It usually occurs when children do not get enough vitamin D. It can also happen when calcium or phosphorus levels are too low. Children can also get an inherited form of the disease.
A child might not get enough vitamin D if the child has dark skin, spends too little time outside, or is breastfed without receiving vitamin D supplements. Rickets symptoms include bone pain or tenderness, impaired growth, and deformities of the bones and teeth. Rickets is rare in the United States.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider presses the bone where the skull bones come together. The bone often pops in and out, like pressing on a Ping-Pong ball.
No testing is done unless osteogenesis imperfecta or rickets is suspected. If rickets is suspected, the doctor uses lab and imaging tests.
Treatment
Craniotabes that is not linked to another condition is not treated. Complete healing is expected.
If low vitamin D is the cause, the baby may be given vitamin D by mouth. Mothers with low vitamin D, especially those breastfeeding, should begin supplements.
Rickets is treated by replacing the calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D that is lacking.
When to see a doctor
Contact your child's provider if you notice signs of craniotabes. The visit checks for other problems. Most cases are found at a well-baby check.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a baby has trouble breathing, is hard to wake up, or loses consciousness.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine a baby with soft skull areas and check on feeding and vitamin D questions. They can also arrange a visit with a pediatric specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is craniotabes dangerous?
No, it is harmless in most newborns. There are no complications in most cases.
How long does craniotabes last?
Craniotabes that is not linked to another condition is not treated. Complete healing is expected.
What causes craniotabes?
It can be a normal finding, especially in babies born early. Low vitamin D, rickets, and brittle bones can also be linked to it.
Can craniotabes be prevented?
Most of the time, it cannot be prevented. When low vitamin D in the mother is the cause, treating low vitamin D in pregnancy can help prevent it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Craniotabes
- PMC - Craniotabes in Newborns and the Role of Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency: A Case Series
- MedlinePlus - Rickets
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
