Overview

Pain can be hard for a child to describe. An older child may be able to describe how the pain feels or tell you whether the pain comes and goes. A toddler may complain of pain or tell you that they don't feel well.

But the signs of pain in an infant or a child who doesn't speak can sometimes be hard to recognize. Persistent crying may be the first sign of a serious illness. A child with a serious illness or problem, such as an ear infection, usually cries longer than normal. But they may show others signs like being restless or furrowing their brow.

How can you care for your child at home?

Watch for these signs of pain

• The signs listed below may help you decide whether your child's pain is mild, moderate, or severe. A child with severe pain will have more of these behaviours and may be harder to comfort. Look for:
  • Changes in usual behaviour. Your child may eat less or become fussy or restless.
  • Crying that can't be comforted.
  • Crying, grunting, or breath-holding.
  • Facial expressions, such as a furrowed brow, a wrinkled forehead, closed eyes, or an angry appearance.
  • Sleep changes, such as waking often or sleeping more or less than usual. Even children in severe pain may take short naps because they are so tired.
  • Body movements, such as making fists, protecting a part of the body (especially while walking), kicking, clinging to whoever holds your child, or not moving.
• Also look for signs of injury or illness, including:
  • Swelling, bruises, or bleeding.
  • Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or crying during feeding. Also check for an open pin sticking the skin or a red spot that may be an insect bite.

To treat mild or moderate pain

• Try rest, massage, or distracting your child with a book or toy to help with pain. It may also help to try a warm face cloth or cold pack. Use the one that works best for your child's pain. And make sure to put a thin cloth between the cold pack and your child's skin.
• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. For children 6 months and older, read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Be careful when giving your child over-the-counter cold or influenza (flu) medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not giving your child more than the recommended dose. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.