Children’s Headaches: What To Know

In a commonly cited study* 40% of kids experienced a headache by the time they turn seven.

Mother and daughter laying down and hugging

*Based on a study interviewing the parents of 9,000 school children in Sweden in 1962.

Headaches in children

Headaches are common in children. One study* found that 40% of kids experienced a headache by the time they turn seven. If you think your child may be showing headache symptoms, don’t hesitate to speak with your pediatrician. This page outlines the types of headaches that children may get and what you can do to help alleviate your little one’s pain.

Symptoms

Young children may not be able to communicate the headache pain they’re experiencing. Here are some common indicators.

Throbbing pain anywhere on or around the forehead, eyes, sinuses, crown, jaw, or neck
Nausea or vomiting
Grabbing head or pulling hair
Sensitivity to light or sound
Crying

Types of headaches

Just like adults, there are many different kinds of headaches children can have. Learn more about Types of Headaches.

Relief tips

Follow these tips & tricks to help relieve your child’s headache. Speak with your child’s pediatrician if you have questions or concerns.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration can trigger headaches. If your child has a headache, give them a glass of water and continue to monitor their fluid intake. Avoid sugars and caffeinated beverages as they can worsen dehydration.

Reduce stress

Anxiety at school or home can lead to headaches. Talk to your child to see if anything is bothering them. Deep breathing exercises, shoulder massages, and soothing white noise playlists can help reduce stress. Speak with your child’s doctor if you have concerns about your child’s stress level.

Avoid dietary triggers

Certain foods can lead to headaches. A well-balanced diet that avoids certain trigger foods, can help. Talk to your child’s doctor to help determine what foods may be causing headaches.

Get proper sleep

Not only can lack of sleep cause headaches, it can increase stress, which is also linked with headaches. Encourage your little one to get adequate rest, especially during the school year when they’re waking up early on a regular basis.

Schedule and eye exam

If your child has uncorrected vision, they may be straining their eyes throughout the day, which can cause headaches. Schedule an eye exam if vision seems to be a problem for your child.

Consider a pain reliever

Pain relievers containing acetaminophen like Children’s TYLENOL® can safely help alleviate headaches in children when used as directed.

Children’s TYLENOL®: The #1 pediatrician recommended brand of pain reliever

Speak with your child’s pediatrician to see what kinds of pain relievers they suggest for headache relief, and if you have questions about whether Children’s TYLENOL® is right for your little one. Children’s TYLENOL® is a pain reliever that can safely relieve most children’s headaches when used as directed. Which means your kid can get back to being, well, a kid again.