Child is too young to tell us or show us the cause for his crying
Main cause: coming down with an illness
Other common causes: overtired, stressed, whining, tantrums, separation anxiety, pain (teething generally doesn't cause crying)
See More Appropriate Topic
If FEVER or any symptom of illness, see that topic
If crying from an injury, see specific TRAUMA topic
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
Your child looks or acts very sick
Stiff neck or bulging soft spot
Possible injury (especially head or bone trauma)
Very irritable, screaming child for > 1 hour
You are afraid you might hurt your baby
Your child cannot be comforted after trying for > 2 hours
Crying interferes with sleeping for > 2 hours
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If
You think your child needs to be seen
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
You have other questions or concerns
Low grade, off-and-on fussiness (acts normal when not crying) continues > 2 days
Parent Care at Home
Mild fussiness present < 2 days and you don’t think your child needs to be seen
Home Care Advice for Mild, Consolable Crying
Reassurance: Most infants/toddlers become somewhat irritable and fussy when sick or overtired. Crying tells us your child is not feeling well. If the crying responds to comforting, it's probably not serious
Comforting: Try to comfort your child by holding, rocking, massage, etc.
Sleep: If your child is tired, put him to bed. If he needs to be held, hold him quietly in a horizontal position or lie next to him. Some overtired infants need to cry themselves to sleep.
Undress your Child: Sometimes part of the clothing is too tight or uncomfortable. Also check the skin for redness or swelling (e.g. insect bite).
Expected Course: Most fussiness with illnesses resolves when the illness does. Most fussiness due to stress or change (eg new day care) lasts less than 1 week.
Call Your Doctor If
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms
