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Recognising Signs of Pain in Your Child

Recognising Signs of Pain in Your Child

This article has been scientifically reviewed for accuracy

Children
Body Pain
Treatment

Pain is our body’s way of signalling that something needs attention. It’s a sensory experience and a complex function of a conscious brain. Doctors describe pain as an unpleasant sensation and emotion linked to a confirmed or possible injury in the body.

Children experience pain differently from adults. They may not always be able to express the cause clearly, especially when they are very young. Procedures like intramuscular injections are the number one source of pain in young children and untreated pain in these cases can cause short-term distress, negatively impacting the child’s wellbeing and their future attitude to pain.

Children also react differently from one another. As a parent, you know best when their behaviour is unusual. Recognising the signs of pain in a child is essential to ensure they get the comfort and care they need.

Common Reasons Why Babies Cry

When your baby is crying, consider the following reasons that might be causing their distress:

Hunger: Is it time for a feeding?
Trapped wind: If your baby has been fed but is still crying, they may need to be burped.
Nappy changes: Wet or dirty nappies can lead to discomfort.
Overheating: Check your baby's tummy; it should feel warm but not sweaty.
Tiredness: Are they simply tired and in need of their nap?
Overstimulation: If there has been a lot going on that day, your baby may be overwhelmed.
Wanting a cuddle: It may just be that your baby wants some extra attention or a cuddle to help make them feel better.
Boredom: A bored baby can often cry out for something to do.
Pain: Your child might be in discomfort due to pain.

Recognising Signs of Pain in Children

Identifying pain in babies or toddlers can be challenging. These three areas can help you assess your child’s discomfort.

What your child says (depending on their age)
How they behave
How their body reacts

Toddlers and Older Children

By 1-2.5 years of age, most toddlers can identify where they feel pain and may use specific words like "ow" or "hurt".

Babies

For younger children who cannot yet speak, behavioural cues are essential. Crying is one of the most common ways babies communicate pain, but it isn’t always straightforward to determine the cause.

Other behaviours indicating pain in babies

Increased irritability
Crying more than usual
Being quiet more than usual
Not sleeping as usual
Change in appetite/not wanting to eat

How to Comfort a Child in Pain

Once you’ve identified that your child is in pain, comforting them becomes your top priority.

Reassure and Soothe

Your calm presence can be incredibly comforting. Hold your child, talk softly, and reassure them that you’re there to help.

Try Non-Medical Techniques

Simple methods can also help ease discomfort when connected to a specific type of pain such as the following for growing pains:

Massage: Gently massage your child’s legs
Heat: Put a covered hot water bottle or heat pack on the painful area

Use Pain Relief Medication

Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen (such as Nurofen for Children) or paracetamol are effective for mild to moderate pain. Always read the label and follow dosage instructions. Seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure if a medicine is suitable for your child or if you are unsure of how much medicine to give.

When to Call a Doctor

Some situations require medical attention.

For young children, seek help if:

Earaches do not go away after three days
Stomach pain or bloating gets worse quickly or is not going away
Your child shows signs of serious illness, such as:
A rash that doesn’t fade under pressure.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration (e.g., dry lips, reduced urination).
Being unusually drowsy, irritable, or unresponsive

For babies:

A constantly crying baby can be a sign they’re ill. Your baby may be unwell if they're crying and have other symptoms, and if this is the case, you should contact your health visitor, GP or call NHS 111.

There are other cases when you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance. This is if:

The baby starts to have a fit (seizure or convulsion)
Their skin is blue, mottled, grey or very pale
They are unresponsive or floppy
They have rapid breathing or are making a throaty noise while breathing
The baby starts being violently sick a lot
They have a high temperature (but their hands and feet stay cold)
They get a spotty purple-red rash anywhere on the body

Whatever the reason for the crying, you must never shake your baby as this can cause brain damage.

You can seek help from helplines, friends, support groups or your GP. If you decide to talk to your GP, it is advised to keep a record of how often and when your baby cries as this may help to determine the cause.

Pain can be distressing for both you and your child, but recognising the signs of pain in a child, understanding its causes, and providing appropriate relief can make a significant difference.

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

Always read the product label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.

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