What is the infant Tylenol and Motrin dosage rule?
Dose infant acetaminophen and ibuprofen by your baby's weight, not age, and use the device that comes with the product. Ibuprofen is not for babies under 6 months, and aspirin should never be given to children.
Dose by weight, not age
Always dose by your child's weight, and only use age if you do not know the current weight. Weight gives a more accurate dose than age.
Use the oral syringe or dosing cup that comes with the product. A kitchen spoon is not accurate. Check the concentration on the label and match it to the dosing chart.
Do not give combination products with more than one active ingredient to children under 6, since it is easy to double up on the same medicine by accident.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen is commonly used for fever and pain. The usual dose is about 10 to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, taken no more often than every 4 hours and no more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
For any baby under 2, confirm the dose with your pediatrician before giving it. The standard infant liquid is 160 mg per 5 mL.
A fever in a baby in the first 12 weeks of life needs to be seen by a clinician right away, not just treated at home.
Ibuprofen (Motrin)
Ibuprofen is also dosed by weight, falling back to age only if weight is unknown. It is given every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
Do not give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months unless your pediatrician specifically directs it. It is not established as safe below that age.
Do not give ibuprofen to a baby who is dehydrated or vomiting repeatedly. Check with your pediatrician if you are unsure.
Never aspirin
Never give aspirin or aspirin-containing products to children or teenagers, especially during a viral illness such as influenza or chickenpox.
Aspirin in children is linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition affecting the liver and brain. Check labels on combination products, since aspirin can be a hidden ingredient.
Related questions
- Should I dose infant medicine by weight or age?
- Dose by your child's current weight whenever you know it, because weight is more accurate than age. Use age only as a fallback when you do not have a recent weight. Use the oral syringe or cup that comes with the product, check the concentration on the label, and for any baby under 2 confirm the dose with your pediatrician first.
- Can I give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months?
- No, not unless your pediatrician specifically directs it. Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Motrin, is not established as safe for babies under 6 months. For younger babies, acetaminophen is the usual choice, and for any baby under 2 you should confirm the dose with your pediatrician. A fever in the first 12 weeks of life needs prompt medical evaluation.
- Why can't children take aspirin?
- Aspirin is linked to Reye syndrome in children and teenagers, a rare but potentially fatal condition affecting the liver and brain, especially during viral illnesses like influenza or chickenpox. Never give aspirin or aspirin-containing products to children. Check the labels of combination medicines, since aspirin can be an unlisted-sounding ingredient such as acetylsalicylic acid.
Sources & further reading
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App Store Google Play Open Web AppThis article reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.