Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for rapidly spreading swelling or any sign that the baby is pale, weak, difficult to wake, having trouble breathing, or otherwise seriously unwell.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the baby’s healthcare professional promptly if:
The swelling is not clearly improving after the first few days
It becomes larger, firmer, or more clearly defined
A new lump appears after discharge
The skin becomes red, warm, broken, or begins draining
The baby develops increasing jaundice
Feeding becomes more difficult or the baby has fewer wet diapers than expected
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine newborn follow-up is usually enough when caput succedaneum is getting smaller and the baby is feeding and behaving normally.
The clinician may examine the scalp again during the first newborn visit and review the baby’s weight, hydration, feeding, and jaundice screening results.
These are not routine features of caput succedaneum.
The article also says
At home, parents can observe the swelling without repeatedly pressing it.
It may help to note whether the area is becoming smaller from one day to the next.
Mild changes in head shape often improve along with the swelling.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Caput succedaneum. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.