Symptom Index
Not sure what's going on with your baby? Start here. This page helps you navigate from what you observe — a rash, a cough, a change in behavior — to what it might mean. Browse symptoms by body system, check them with our triage tool, or read the related concern guides.
Last reviewed:
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Fever & Pain
Temperature changes, discomfort, and pain responses.
- FeverCheck symptoms →
- Febrile seizure
- Inconsolable cryingCheck symptoms →
- Irritability
- Ear pullingCheck symptoms →
Breathing & Respiratory
Coughs, congestion, breathing sounds, and respiratory distress.
- Fast breathingCheck symptoms →
- Noisy breathing
- WheezingCheck symptoms →
- Cough
- Congestion / stuffy noseCheck symptoms →
- Stridor
- Snoring
Skin & Rashes
Rashes, bumps, discoloration, and skin changes.
- RashCheck symptoms →
- Eczema / dry patches
- Hives
- Cradle cap
- Baby acne
- Birthmarks
- Jaundice (yellow skin)Check symptoms →
- Peeling skin
- Bruising
Digestive & Feeding
Vomiting, stool changes, reflux, and feeding difficulties.
- VomitingCheck symptoms →
- Spit-up / reflux
- DiarrheaCheck symptoms →
- ConstipationCheck symptoms →
- Gas / bloating
- Blood in stool
- Green poop
- Refusing to eat
Eyes, Ears & Mouth
Eye discharge, ear issues, mouth sores, and related symptoms.
- Eye discharge / sticky eyesCheck symptoms →
- Crossed eyes
- Ear infection signsCheck symptoms →
- Thrush (white patches in mouth)
- Drooling
- Mouth sores
Head & Neurological
Head shape, fontanelle changes, seizures, and neurological signs.
- Flat head (plagiocephaly)
- Bulging fontanelle
- Sunken fontanelle
- Head banging
- Seizures / convulsions
- Lethargy
- Stiffness / arching
Movement & Motor
Motor development concerns, limping, stiffness, and coordination.
- Not rolling over
- Not crawling
- Not walking
- Toe walking
- Limping
- Favoring one side
- Floppy / low tone
- Stiff / high tone
Behavior & Development
Speech delays, social concerns, regression, and behavioral changes.
- Not talking
- Not responding to name
- No eye contact
- Repetitive behaviors
- Loss of skills (regression)
- Separation anxiety
- Tantrums
- Biting / hitting
- Sleep changes
Bottom line
Most childhood symptoms are caused by common, self-limiting illnesses. This index helps you understand what you're seeing and when to seek medical attention. Always call your pediatrician if you're unsure.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members