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Depression in childhood, frequently overlooked because of the absence of the depressive affect, is often represented by somatic manifestations similar to those accompanying severe adult depressions such as anorexia, insomnia, pruritis, migrainous headaches, and motor retardation. In the cases reported two or more of these somatic manifestations were present to a marked degree. A depression in a four-month-old infant resulted from the infant's rejection as a result of being conceived in an extramarital affair. Resolution of the depression occurred with treatment of the mother. A two-year-old girl had attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia, severe anorexia, sleep disturbance, animal phobias, and withdrawal in response to the birth of a brother whom the mother preferred. The mother also projected the 'weak' part of herself onto the daughter. Somatic manifestations rather than depressive affect occur because the child is unable to tolerate painful sensations and impulses without immediate release, and the 'acting out' of impulses and emotions without awareness is possible only through the body. Conflicts about love objects can be experienced as conflicts about food, and fear of losing a love object makes sleeping difficult. Recognition of these somatic manifestations as evidence of depression in childhood can lead to early treatment and perhaps prevention of some adult depressions.