It can be difficult for young children to describe their pain, but a parent can usually tell if their child is in distress. A variety of factors, including teething, colic, injury or infection may cause pain.

1. Colic: this may start within weeks of birth and symptoms peak at around two to three months of age. Parents can be reassured that it should resolve by four to six months of age. Babies may have periods of intense crying, often in the early evening, pull up their legs and arch their backs. They should still feed and gain weight. Colic may be linked to trapped wind or having an immature digestive system.

2. Teething: first teeth can start appearing in babies at around six to nine months of age. Symptoms may appear from as early as three months, before teeth are visible. They include pain and discomfort around the gums, swollen gums, excessive saliva production and an increased tendency to chew on objects for relief. The child may also have red, hot cheeks. 

3. Colds and flu: caused by a number of different viruses, colds are normally mild and usually resolve in five to seven days. It’s normal for a child to have eight or more colds a year. Symptoms include sneezing, a sore throat, runny nose, mild fever and a cough. Flu symptoms may come on more quickly and make the child feel more poorly. They may also complain of aching muscles. Care should be taken when recommending cough and cold products for children, as many ingredients are unsuitable for those under six years of age. Remember to always check the packaging for instructions.

4. Ear infection: often following a cold, children are more susceptible to ear infections than adults. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, vomiting, hearing loss, lethargy, irritability and difficulty feeding. Children may pull or tug at their ear and also have a cough or runny nose. Ear infections should resolve within a few days.

5. Sore throat: often caused by a viral illness, a sore throat can be alleviated with pain relief and should clear up within four days.