Goose eggs can be hard or soft, depending on the surface the child hit, and can resolve within a matter of minutes. If it starts to feel squishy, you move into the next category: seek help.

Why is my goose egg squishy?

Swelling under the skin (called a hematoma or “goose egg”) is usually a temporary symptom of head trauma. A goose egg can form in a hurry — the forehead is quick to swell because there are so many blood vessels just under the skin's surface.

When should I be concerned about a goose egg?

If your child develops a “goose egg” — an oval protrusion — don't worry about it. “It's just a swelling of the scalp caused by trauma to the skin and broken blood vessels,” explains Dr. Powell. It might take a while to go away, but it's nothing to worry about.