Your little one is still learning the commands of the English language. It would be easier for everyone if babies could just tell us what’s on their mind, right?
When your child is fussy or feeling unwell, you have to decide what they need. Tylenol is one of the most practical methods of calming down fevers, reducing aches, and encouraging a better sleep cycle. Giving your baby the correct dosage is key to ensuring they don’t feel worse.
Keep reading to learn about our infant Tylenol dosage and how to use weight and height to gauge the amount.
Why Should I Give Infants Tylenol?
Tylenol is one of the gentlest solutions for infants feeling under the weather. Today you can find many versions of this medication at pharmacies and grocery stores.
Tylenol (also known by the generic term acetaminophen) is designed to target pain receptors and facilitate healing. A few reasons you might give your infant Tylenol include:
- Fever
- Difficulty sleeping
- Recovering from a hospital trip
- Teething pain
- Mild head bump
Your baby is still developing, so they can’t have the Tylenol made for adults. Let’s take a look at the proper dosage.
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What Form of Tylenol Should I Give My Baby?
Tylenol for babies comes in a liquid concentration. While older children can have chewable gummies, this form is harsh for your baby’s growing gums.
Liquid Tylenol for babies is usually a bright red or purple. This medication must be at 160 milligrams/5 milliliter (mg/mL). While previous dosing requirements hovered at 80 mg/0.8 mL per dose, this goal has now been rectified. Be careful when browsing baby medication so you’re not mixing up your dosages.
These dosage requirements aim to give your infant enough medication to feel relief, but not too much.
Related: What Causes Ear Infections In Babies?
It takes a village to raise a child. We’re happy to provide new moms with the tools, advice, and accessibility needed to get through the formative first years.
Choosing the Dosage Requirement by Age and Weight
The age and weight of your baby is critical. Giving your child too little will fail to provide them relief, while too much Tylenol can make them feel worse.
It’s also possible to overdose your baby, so be extra careful!
Dosage for 0 to 3 Months and 6 to 11 Pounds
We highly recommend you consult a pediatrician for this age and weight range. Since your infant is so young, applying the proper dosage is challenging.
Dosage for 4 to 11 Months and 12 to 17 Pounds
Again, we recommend consulting a pediatrician. While your child is older, applying the right dosage can still be a tricky affair.
Dosage for 12 to 23 Months and 18 to 23 Pounds
Ask your pediatrician for the correct dosage amount. The most common Tylenol dosage for your baby after the first year is 1.5 to 2.5 mL, but it doesn’t hurt to be careful.
Dosage for 2 to 3 Years and 24 to 34 Pounds
Once your child has hit two years old, prescribing Tylenol is much easier. 5 mL is deemed an acceptable amount for low-grade fevers or mild pain.
How Often Should I Give My Child Tylenol?
Just like adults, babies need to be given Tylenol at specific intervals. One dose is usually more than enough to give your baby relief.
Giving your baby their allotted dosage every four to six hours is usually acceptable. Remember to double-check with your pediatrician for the recommended amount, as your child could have underlying health conditions that require more scrutiny.
Under no circumstances should your child be given more than five doses in the span of twenty-four hours. You also don’t need to give your baby medication for more than a day or two unless otherwise recommended by your family doctor.
Make sure not to give your infant any Tylenol if they’re already taking another medication with acetaminophen!
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How Do I Give My Baby Tylenol?
When your baby is fussy and exhausted, giving them Tylenol is a difficult affair. Your infant Tylenol will come with a tiny syringe or eyedropper to make it easier for them to swallow.
We strongly advise against using a measuring spoon or ‘eyeballing’ the amount, since these actions run the risk of an overdose. Use the eyedropper to press the solution against their inner cheek. Directing the liquid straight down their throat could make them choke and make them more fussy.
If your baby doesn’t like the taste, choose an infant Tylenol medication with a different flavor.
When in Doubt, Ask a Doctor
Giving your child Tylenol can be a surprisingly scary experience. You don’t want to give them too little or too much.
As it stands, age and weight are good barometers for the right dosage. Your Tylenol medication will already come with suggestions, though we highly recommend double-checking with your pediatrician. While it’s easier to give a child two years or older a dosage, babies are trickier due to their sensitive constitutions.
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