Ibuprofen, the ingredient found in medications like Advil® or Motrin®, is a common and safe way to treat pain in babies who are 6 months or older. You’ll want to read labels carefully, though. Different medications have different strengths, and you’ll need to know how much your child weighs to give the right dose. Here is information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
If your child weighs 12 to 17 pounds
- For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 1.25 mL dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp) on the label, give a ½ tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 2.5 mL dose.
If your child weighs 18 to 23 pounds
- For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 1.875 mL dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a ¾ tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 4 mL dose.
If your child weighs 24 to 35 pounds
- For infant drops that say 50mg/1.25 mL on the label, give a 2.5 mL dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/1 tsp on the label, give a 1 tsp dose.
- For liquid that says 100 mg/5 mL on the label, give a 5 mL dose.
- For chewable tablets that say 50 mg tablets on the label, give 2 tablets.
Source: medlineplus.gov
