Caput succedaneum is described as swelling that:

Caput succedaneum is a specific type of swelling that occurs in newborns, typically resulting from pressure during delivery. This swelling occurs as fluid accumulates in the soft tissues of the baby's head, particularly in response to the pressure exerted by the birth canal during labor. A key characteristic of caput succedaneum is that it does cross the suture lines of the skull. This is significant because the suture lines are the fibrous joints between the bones of the skull that allow for some movement during birth and the growth of the infant's head. The ability of the swelling to extend across these lines helps to differentiate caput succedaneum from other types of head swelling, such as cephalohematoma, which does not cross the suture lines. Understanding this feature is essential for healthcare providers in assessing and managing conditions that may arise during the birthing process.