Newborns and Headaches: What Every Parent Should Know

Let's talk about something that keeps many new parents awake at night those endless, heart-wrenching cries from your little one. You're holding them, rocking them, trying every trick in the book, but nothing seems to work. Your mind starts racing: What if they're in pain? What if it's something serious?

Here's what I want you to know right from the start: you're not alone in this worry, and yes, newborns can experience headache-like discomfort. While they can't tell us "my head hurts" the way we can, their little bodies have their own ways of communicating when something isn't right.

Can Babies Really Have Headaches?

This might surprise you, but absolutely newborns can experience what we'd consider headache pain. The tricky part is that their nervous systems are still developing, so the experience is quite different from what adults go through. Think of it less like the pounding temple pain we know and more like a general feeling of discomfort that affects their entire being.

I remember talking to Dr. Sarah Chen, a pediatric neurologist I know, who explained that while we don't have mountains of research on this specific topic, the medical consensus is clear: babies definitely feel pain, and headaches are included in that. According to a study by Fitri SYR in 2019, infants process pain signals in ways that are remarkably similar to adults, just expressed differently [source].

The thing is, researchers are still figuring out exactly how common newborn headaches are because, well, how do you ask a two-week-old to rate their pain on a scale of one to ten?

Recognizing Headache Signs in Newborns

This is where your parental instincts become invaluable. You know your baby better than anyone else, and often, you'll sense when something feels "off" even before you can put your finger on exactly what it is.

Here's what to watch for:

Persistent, unsoothable crying Not the typical hunger or diaper-change cries, but that deep, intense wailing that seems to come from nowhere and goes on for hours. The kind that makes you feel helpless because nothing you try seems to make a difference.

Changes in feeding patterns Maybe your little one who used to nurse eagerly is suddenly turning away from the breast or bottle. Or perhaps they're feeding frantically but not really swallowing properly.

Sensitivity to their environment Does your baby seem to flinch at normal household sounds? Do they bury their face in your shoulder when you turn on a light? These could be signs they're experiencing sensory overload or pain.

Physical cues Watch for them pulling at their head, arching their back in discomfort, or adopting a very stiff, rigid posture. Some parents tell me their babies seem to prefer lying perfectly still, almost like movement makes the discomfort worse.

Sleep disruption If your newborn, who usually sleeps peacefully, is suddenly waking frequently or seems restless even when held, this could indicate they're not feeling well.

Distinguishing Headaches from Normal Fussiness

Here's where it gets tricky, and I want you to know this is completely normal to feel uncertain about. The truth is, there's no magic checklist that definitively says "headache" versus "regular baby fussiness." But there are some patterns that experienced parents often notice.

Colic, for instance, tends to follow more of a schedule often happening around the same time each day, particularly in the evening hours. The crying might be intense, but there's often a rhythmic quality to it. Headache-related discomfort seems more constant, like a low-grade agony that never quite lets up.

As one mom I spoke with put it: "It wasn't just crying it was like he was in real distress. The kind of crying that made my skin crawl because I knew something was genuinely wrong."

What Causes Headaches in Newborns?

Understanding the potential causes can help you feel more in control, even when everything feels overwhelming.

Birth-related factors The journey through the birth canal, even when everything goes smoothly, can put pressure on a baby's head and neck. For babies born via assisted delivery or after a difficult labor, this pressure might be more pronounced.

Infections and illnesses This is when things get more serious. Ear infections, though rare in newborns, can cause referred pain that feels like a headache. More concerning are conditions like meningitis, which is why certain symptoms require immediate medical attention [source].

Dehydration It's easier than you might think for newborns to become even slightly dehydrated, especially if feeding isn't going well. A study by Daley SF in 2024 highlighted how quickly fluid balance can affect infant comfort levels [source].

Environmental triggers Think about how you feel when you walk into a room that's too bright, too noisy, or filled with strong perfumes. Now imagine experiencing that with a nervous system that's still learning to process all these sensations. Babies can become overwhelmed by stimuli that seem perfectly normal to us.

Immediate Comfort Strategies

While you're waiting to see your pediatrician or figuring out if a visit is necessary, there are gentle things you can try to help your little one feel more comfortable.

Create a sanctuary of calm Dim the lights, reduce noise, and create as peaceful an environment as possible. Sometimes just moving to a different room or even going for a car ride can help if overstimulation is the issue.

Gentle touch can work wonders Soft, circular motions on your baby's back or very gentle scalp massage (think barely touching, just enough pressure to feel present) can be soothing. Always be incredibly gentle with newborns their necks aren't fully strong enough to support sudden movements yet.

White noise and swaddling These classic soothing techniques can help block out environmental triggers that might be contributing to discomfort.

Stay hydrated yourself If you're breastfeeding, your fluid intake directly affects your baby. Keep a water bottle handy and sip regularly, especially if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Medication Considerations

This is one area where I always emphasize: never self-medicate your newborn. The dosing, timing, and safety considerations for infant pain relief are complex and should always involve a healthcare provider, especially for babies under three months old.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be used in newborns as young as two weeks with proper medical guidance, but the dosing is incredibly precise and based on your baby's exact weight. Ibuprofen isn't considered safe until after six months, and aspirin should never be given to children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

I know some parents worry that calling the doctor about something like this might seem like overreacting, but here's what I've learned from talking to pediatricians: they'd much rather you call with concerns than wait too long. Your vigilance is protecting your baby.

When to Seek Medical Help

Trust your gut this is the most important advice I can give you. If something feels seriously wrong, it probably is.

Call your pediatrician if you notice:

Your baby's crying has changed in quality or intensity and won't stop despite your best efforts to comfort them. They're refusing to feed or vomiting repeatedly. They have a fever along with apparent discomfort. They seem unusually stiff or floppy. They're showing sensitivity to light or seem to prefer lying in very specific positions.

Go to the emergency room immediately if:

Your baby loses consciousness, even briefly. They have a seizure or unusual movements. Their soft spot (fontanelle) appears bulging or sunken. They've had a fall or head injury, even a seemingly minor one. They're having trouble breathing or their skin looks blue or gray.

Prevention and Long-term Outlook

The good news? Most newborn discomfort, including what seems like headache-like pain, is temporary and resolves as their systems mature.

Establishing routines Consistent feeding and sleeping schedules can help prevent some of the stress that might contribute to discomfort. Yes, newborns don't have predictable schedules at first, but gentle consistency helps.

Managing your environment Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, using soft lighting, and minimizing sudden loud noises can make a big difference for sensitive little ones.

Mind your diet if breastfeeding Sometimes babies react to compounds that pass through breast milk. Common triggers include dairy, caffeine, and certain spices, though every baby is different.

Regular check-ups Your pediatrician is your partner in understanding what's normal for your specific baby. Don't hesitate to bring up concerns at every visit.

The Reality of Living with a Fussy Newborn

Before we wrap up, I want to acknowledge something important: dealing with a baby who seems to be in pain is emotionally exhausting. You might feel like you're failing as a parent, like you should be able to "fix" whatever is wrong.

Please know that this feeling, while completely natural, isn't accurate. You're not failing you're doing the incredibly difficult work of caring for a tiny human who can't tell you what they need.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts and the best medical care, babies are simply uncomfortable. This might be due to gas, digestive issues, or simply the fact that their nervous systems are still learning to process the world around them. It's not your fault, and it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

I've spoken with countless parents who went through periods of intense worry about their newborns' comfort. Many found that what helped most wasn't necessarily "curing" the problem, but learning to sit with the uncertainty while providing as much comfort as possible.

Building Your Support Network

Don't underestimate the power of having people who understand what you're going through. Whether it's other parents in online communities, your pediatrician's office staff who've heard it all before, or a trusted friend who's been through similar experiences, having support makes everything more manageable.

Sometimes just being able to text "This crying is driving me crazy is this normal?" to someone who won't judge can provide immense relief.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone in navigating these concerns. Headaches in newborns, while real, are usually manageable with the right combination of gentle care and medical guidance when needed.

Your instincts about your baby are powerful and valid. You've already shown incredible strength and dedication by seeking information and wanting to understand what might be causing your little one's discomfort.

As you continue this journey of parenthood, remember that every day brings new understanding. Your baby is growing and changing rapidly, and what feels overwhelming today will likely become clearer tomorrow.

If you're currently dealing with what seems like persistent discomfort in your newborn, know that this phase will pass. You're doing better than you think, and your baby is incredibly fortunate to have such a caring parent looking out for them.

What strategies have worked for soothing your little one when they seemed uncomfortable? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below your insights might help another parent who's going through exactly what you once faced.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.