Crying, Age 3 and Younger

Emergencies

Yes	Does your child have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock, such as cool and clammy skin; shallow, rapid breathing; and a lack of interest in play or surroundings
• Decreased level of consciousness as in shaken baby syndrome or a head injury
• Signs of severe difficulty breathing

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's crying.

Remember, crying is a symptom, not a disease, and often the significance of crying can only be determined when other symptoms are evaluated. If your young child has any of the following symptoms, evaluate those first.

• Head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger.
• Fever: Go to the topic Fever, Age 3 and Younger.
• Respiratory symptoms: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
• Vomiting: Go to the topic Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger.
• Eye injury: Go to the topic Eye Injuries.
• A cut: Go to the topic Cuts.
• Arm or leg injury: Go to the topic Arm Injuries or Leg Injuries.
• Pulling at an ear: Go to the topic Possible Ear Infection, Age 3 and Younger.
• An object in the ear, eye, or nose: Go to the topics Object in the Ear, Object in the Eye, or Object in the Nose.
• Colic: Go to the topic Colic.
• Diarrhea: Go to the topic Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger.
• Constipation: Go to the topic Constipation, Age 11 and Younger.
• Diaper rash: Go to the topic Diaper Rash.
• Warm, red area that develops around an injury to the skin: Go to the topic Rash, Age 11 and Younger.
• Insect bites or stings: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.
• A tooth that is out of place, very loose, chipped, or missing: Go to the topic Mouth and Dental Injuries.
• Teething: Go to the topic Teething.
• Symptoms after a recent immunization: Go to the topic Immunizations.

Yes	Has your child cried continuously for 30 minutes?
Yes	Is your child not acting normally?
Yes	Are you concerned that your child's crying may have been caused by abuse?
Yes	Are you concerned that your child's crying is causing you to feel like you may lose control and hurt your child?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: March 15, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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