Newborn head molding: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if your baby has difficulty breathing, turns blue or grey, has a seizure, becomes limp, or does not respond normally.

   These are not expected features of newborn head molding.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   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 is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical care for scalp swelling that spreads or grows quickly, particularly if it feels soft or boggy.

   Also seek urgent help if your newborn is pale, unusually sleepy, difficult to wake, feeding poorly, repeatedly vomiting, or producing fewer wet diapers than expected.

   A temperature of 38°C or higher in a baby younger than 3 months needs prompt medical assessment.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
   • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
   • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Mention the head shape at a routine newborn or infant appointment if it is improving slowly but your baby otherwise seems well.

   Arrange an earlier assessment if:

   • The shape is not beginning to improve after the early newborn period
   • Flattening or asymmetry is becoming more noticeable
   • You feel a fixed, hard ridge along a skull suture
   • Your baby always turns the head to one side
   • A scalp lump remains, enlarges, or becomes red or tender
   • Yellow skin or eyes develop or become more noticeable
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Newborn head molding. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.