Newborn Baby Care: Bumps on Baby's Head

These little bumps most likely are lymph nodes, which are normal and commonly felt in newborns and infants. They are an important part of your baby's immune system. A normal lymph node feels like a small rubbery pea and should move freely under the skin. You can sometimes feel more than one lymph node in a particular area.

Up to 5 percent of healthy children may have lymph nodes that you can feel in the back of their heads, a condition called occipital adenopathy. Sometimes, if there is an infection involving the scalp, such as ringworm (tinea capitis) or cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis), these lymph nodes may increase in size. The lymph nodes return to normal size once the underlying problem is addressed.

You should be concerned and contact your child's doctor if:

• The lymph nodes continue to grow in size
• The overlying skin is warm and red
• The lymph nodes themselves seem tender or are not freely movable under the skin
• Your baby has a fever