CRYING CHILD OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS OLD (IRRITABILITY, FUSSINESS) Symptom Definition Excessive crying, irritability or fussiness. Child is too young to tell us or show us the cause for his crying. Causes Main cause: coming down with an illness. Other common causes: overtired, stressed, whining, tantrums, separation anxiety, or pain. Note: teething generally doesn't cause crying. See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If FEVER or any symptom of illness, see that topic. Crying from an injury, see specific INJURY topic. WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CRYING CHILD OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS OLD Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) Not moving or very weak 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 injury). Very irritable, screaming child for more than 1 hour. You are afraid you might hurt your baby. Your child cannot be comforted after trying for more than 2 hours. Crying interferes with sleeping for more than 2 hours. Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If You think your child needs to be seen. Pain (eg. earache) suspected as cause of crying Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If You have other questions or concerns. Mild, off-and-on fussiness (acts normal when not crying) continues for more than 2 days. Parent Care at Home If Mild fussiness present less than 2 days and you don't think your child needs to be seen. Back to Top 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 (e.g., new day care) lasts less than 1 week. Call Your Doctor If: Constant crying lasts for more than 2 hours Intermittent crying lasts more than 2 days Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms Back to Top Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP Reviewed 8/2005 Revised 8/2005 See Other Topics: Fever View Index of Topics