1
🚨 When to Get Help
Call 911 Now
- Child is not moving or is very weak.
- You suspect a life-threatening emergency.
Call Doctor Now or Go to ER
- The 2-Hour Rule: Nonstop crying lasts more than 2 hours and you cannot soothe them.
- Dehydration: Will not drink (or drinks very little) for more than 8 hours.
- Injury: You suspect they fell or were hurt.
- Appearance: The child looks very sick to you.
- Safety: You are afraid you (or someone else) might hurt or shake the child.
Contact in 24hrs
- You think an earache or specific pain is the cause.
- Mild, off-and-on fussiness lasts more than 2 days.
2
✅The Quick Physical Check
If your child is crying and you don’t know why, perform a quick physical inspection to rule out hidden pain.
- Undress the Child: Remove clothes to check for things that might be hurting them, like an insect bite, tight clothing, or a “hair tourniquet” (a hair wrapped tightly around a toe or penis).
- Check the Skin: Look for a raw diaper rash, unexplained bruising, or swelling.
- Check the Mouth: Look for mouth ulcers or sores.
- Touch Check: Gently press on the tummy or touch the ears. If they recoil or scream louder, that may be the source of pain.
3
🔎Common Causes of Crying
If there is no obvious injury, consider these three categories:
A. Early Signs of Illness
- Your child may be “coming down with something.” Crying is often the first sign of a virus, earache, or sore throat before other symptoms (like fever or runny nose) show up.
- Note:Teething causes fussiness, but usually not severe or nonstop crying.
B. Physical Discomfort
- Hunger: Toddlers get “hangry” too.
- Constipation: A hard belly or straining could mean they are backed up.
- Cold Medicine: Ingredients like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or antihistamines (Benadryl) can actually cause agitation and screaming in young children. Stop these medicines immediately if crying starts.
C. Behavioral & Emotional (The “Tantrum”)
- Overtired: If they are rubbing eyes or yawning, they need sleep, not play.
- Protest Crying: This is the “I don’t want to” cry. It happens when you change their routine or say “no.”
- Separation: Crying when you leave the room is normal at this age.
4
How to Handle the Crying (By Cause)
If it is “Mild Fussiness” or Illness:
- Comfort: Hold, rock, or massage the child. Use a calm, quiet voice.
- Wait it out: If they are coming down with a virus, other symptoms will likely appear in 24 hours.
- Stop Meds: Discontinue any OTC cough/cold medicines (which are not recommended for children under 6 anyway).
If it is a Temper Tantrum:
- The Cause: Anger or trying to get their way.
- The Solution: Do not give them an audience. Ignore tantrums that are about wanting things they can’t have. If they are hitting/throwing, use a “timeout” until they are calm.
- The Rule: Do not give in. “No” means “No.”
If it is a Sleep Problem:
- The Clue: The child mostly cries when put in their crib or bed, but acts normal during the day.
- The Solution: This requires sleep training. Place the child in the crib “sleepy but awake.” You can visit them every 10 minutes to reassure them, but do not take them out or feed them to sleep.
5
⚠️Vital Safety Warning
Never Shake a Baby or Toddler. Shaking can cause brain bleeding and severe damage in just a few seconds.
- If you are losing your temper: Put the child in a safe place (like their crib). Leave the room. Call a friend or relative for help. It is better for the child to cry alone for 5-10 minutes than to be held by an out-of-control parent.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is
for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how
you
use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.