This study investigated recurrent abdominal pain in all 494 second‐year infant children in a new town using a postal questionnaire followed by sampling and detailed interview. A prevalence of between 24.5 and 26.9% was found and there were associations with psychiatric deviance both at home and at school. There were also associations with social support of the mother, difficulties in settling into school and status of house ownership. Details of parental management of their children's symptoms are described.