What Age Can Babies Take Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is only for babies 6 months and older. For a baby under 6 months, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the option instead, but not under 3 months without talking to a doctor first. This page is about which medicine is allowed at which age; for how much to give, use a weight-based dosing chart and confirm the dose with your pediatrician.
Which fever or pain medicine by age
| Age | Ibuprofen (Motrin / Advil) | Acetaminophen (Tylenol) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 months (under 12 weeks) | No | Only if your doctor tells you to; a fever needs to be checked first |
| 3-6 months | No | Yes, with correct weight-based dose |
| 6 months and older | Yes, with correct weight-based dose | Yes, with correct weight-based dose |
Why ibuprofen waits until 6 months
Ibuprofen is not approved for babies under 6 months, and it has not been shown to be safe at that age. The main concern is the kidneys. Ibuprofen is processed by the kidneys, which are still maturing in early infancy, and it can reduce blood flow to them.
That risk rises when a baby is low on fluids, which is common during exactly the illnesses that cause fever, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or poor feeding. A dehydrated young baby on ibuprofen is more likely to have kidney trouble, so the medicine is held until 6 months unless a doctor specifically directs otherwise.
What to use under 6 months
For babies between 3 and 6 months, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the medicine to use for fever or pain, given by weight, not by age. Read the label and use the dropper or syringe that comes with the product so the dose is accurate.
Under 3 months is different. Do not give any fever medicine to a baby younger than 3 months on your own, because a fever at that age can be the first sign of a serious infection that needs to be evaluated before anything is given. Call your pediatrician first.
The fever rule for babies under 3 months
A fever in the first 12 weeks of life is treated as urgent. If a baby younger than 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, call your pediatrician or go to the emergency department right away, even if the baby otherwise seems well.
At this age, babies cannot fight infection the way older children can, and a bloodstream or other serious infection can get worse quickly. The priority is getting the baby checked, not lowering the number with medicine, which can also mask how sick the baby actually is.
Giving these medicines safely
A few rules apply at every age.
- Dose by weight, not age. Two babies the same age can need different amounts, so use a current weight and a dosing chart.
- Use the syringe or dropper that comes with the product, and never a kitchen spoon.
- Check that you have the infant or children's concentration the label assumes, since strengths differ.
- Do not combine products that both contain the same medicine, and do not give ibuprofen and acetaminophen together unless your pediatrician tells you to.
- Treat discomfort, not just the number. A child who is feeding, sleeping, and playing may not need medicine at all.
- When in doubt about whether to treat or how much to give, ask your pediatrician.
Call your pediatrician right away if
- Your baby is under 3 months with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher. Call before giving any medicine.
- A fever lasts more than a couple of days, keeps climbing, or your child seems to be getting sicker.
- Your baby is hard to wake, very fussy and cannot be comforted, has a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade with pressure, or trouble breathing.
- There are signs of dehydration, such as far fewer wet diapers, no tears when crying, or a dry mouth.
- You are unsure which medicine or how much is right for your baby's age and weight.
Reflects AAP HealthyChildren medication-safety and fever guidance and FDA labeling, 2024-2026.
Related questions
- Can I give my 4-month-old Tylenol but not Motrin?
- Yes. At 4 months, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is allowed using a correct weight-based dose, but ibuprofen (Motrin) is not, because ibuprofen is only for babies 6 months and older. Confirm the dose with your pediatrician.
- Why is ibuprofen not safe for babies under 6 months?
- It is processed by the kidneys, which are still maturing in young babies, and it can lower blood flow to them, especially when a baby is dehydrated from a fever-causing illness. It is also not FDA approved under 6 months, so it waits unless a doctor directs otherwise.
- How much ibuprofen does my baby need?
- Ibuprofen doses are based on your baby's current weight, not age, so a single number does not fit every child. Use a weight-based dosing chart and confirm the amount with your pediatrician before giving it.
- My 2-month-old has a fever. Can I give medicine?
- No, not on your own. A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher in a baby under 3 months needs to be evaluated right away. Call your pediatrician or go to the emergency department before giving any fever medicine.
Sources & further reading
ParentFlow: one free app, newborn to age six
ParentFlow is a free baby tracker that logs feeds, sleep, diapers, pumping and growth in one tap, with your daily summary, trends, and reminders based on your own logs. Free for everyday tracking on iPhone, Android, and the web.
App Store Google Play Open Web AppThis article reflects current AAP, CDC, FDA, 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.