Head

Expected findings

Anterior fontanel diamond shaped 2-3 - 3-4 cms
Posterior fontanel triangular 0.5 - 1 cm
Fontanels soft, firm and flat
Sutures palpable with small separation between each

Common variations

Caput succedaneum



Molding of fontanels and suture spaces

Signs of potential distress or deviations from normal findings

Fontanels that are bulging or depressed
Hydrocephalus
Macrocephaly
Cephalhematoma



Closed sutures

Eyes

Expected findings

Slate gray or blue eye color
No tears
Fixation at times - with ability to follow objects to midline
Red reflex
Blink reflex
Distinct eyebrows
Cornea bright and shiny
Pupils equal and reactive to light

Common variations

Edematous eyelids



Uncoordinated movements



May focus for a few seconds

Signs of potential distress or deviations from expected findings

Discharges
Chemical conjunctivitis



Opaque lenses
Absence of Red Reflex
Epicanthal folds in newborns not of Oriental descent
"Doll's eyes" beyond 10 days of age
Reflexes absent
Subconjunctival hemorrhage

Ears

Expected findings

Pinna top on horizontal line with outer canthus of eye



Loud noise elicits Startle Reflex
Flexible pinna with cartilage present

Common variations

Skin tags on or around ears

Signs of potential distress or deviations from expected findings

Ear placement low
Preauricular sinus



Clefts present
Malformations
Cartilage absent