Health Tip: Signs That Baby Is in Pain

A brief guide for new parents

Posted: September 15, 2009

(HealthDay News) -- Young infants may cry a lot. And new parents may not know exactly what's wrong.

The University of Michigan Health System lists these warning signs that your new baby may be in pain:

A more insistent cry that lasts longer than usual, or a cry that's higher in pitch.
Silence doesn't always mean baby is fine. Very sick or premature babies may not have the energy to cry.
Making unusual faces, such as wrinkling the brow, squeezing eyes closed, getting deep creases around the nose, grimacing or holding the mouth open.
Stiff or tense posture, with limbs completely stretched out or pulled tight into the body. Babies may also wiggle or squirm, or be "floppy" as if they've lost muscle tone.
Fussiness or irritability that can't be soothed or comforted.
Not eating or not sleeping.