Pediatric Medication & Dosing

How Much Ibuprofen Is Safe for Your Child?

Giving your child Motrin® or Advil®? Too much ibuprofen can be harmful. Check your child's weight and the concentration on the bottle before measuring a dose.

Written & Medically Reviewed by Dr. G Board-Certified Pediatrician · Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics · Updated October 8, 2026

Quick Answer: What's the Safe Dose?

Use your child's current weight and match the exact product concentration. Infant drops and children's liquid are different strengths, so the same volume may deliver different doses. Choose the correct chart below.

Under 6 months: Do not give ibuprofen unless your baby's pediatrician specifically directs you to.

Infant Ibuprofen Drops Dosage by Weight

For infants 6–23 months. Use only with concentrated infant ibuprofen drops labeled 50 mg per 1.25 mL. Check the bottle before every dose.

Weight	Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 mL
12–17 lb (5.4–7.7 kg) Approx. 6–11 months	1.25 mL
18–23 lb (8.2–10.4 kg) Approx. 12–23 months	1.875 mL

These are common U.S. dosing-chart amounts for the stated concentration. Follow the current product label. If your infant's weight falls outside the chart, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist.

Children's Ibuprofen Dosage by Weight

For children's liquid labeled 100 mg per 5 mL and children's chewable tablets labeled 100 mg per tablet. Check the age directions on the product.

Weight	Liquid 100 mg/5 mL	100 mg Chewables
24–35 lb (10.9–15.9 kg) Approx. 2–3 years	5 mL	1 tablet*
36–47 lb (16.3–21.3 kg) Approx. 4–5 years	7.5 mL	1½ tablets*
48–59 lb (21.8–26.8 kg) Approx. 6–8 years	10 mL	2 tablets
60–71 lb (27.2–32.2 kg) Approx. 9–10 years	12.5 mL	2½ tablets*
72–95 lb (32.7–43.1 kg) Approx. 11 years	15 mL	3 tablets

*Chewable tablet safety: Follow the instructions on your specific product label. Use half-tablet doses only when supported by that product's directions. Chewable tablets must be appropriate for your child's age and ability to chew safely. If the product or weight is not covered, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist rather than guessing.

Five Checks Before Every Dose

Weight: Use your child's current weight.
Strength: Confirm the concentration on the bottle.
Measuring device: Use the supplied oral syringe or dosing cup, never a kitchen spoon.
Timing: Generally every 6–8 hours as needed; no more than four doses in 24 hours.
Duplicate ingredients: Motrin and Advil both contain ibuprofen. Do not give them together or combine with another NSAID unless directed by a clinician.

Need Help Finding the Right Dose?

Dr. G's free QuickDose™ helps you select your child's weight and the formulation you're using.

Open Free QuickDose™

Free · No signup · Educational guidance only

What Does Ibuprofen Do?

Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve fever and pain. It can improve comfort but does not treat the underlying infection. Your child's breathing, alertness, hydration and other symptoms matter more than the temperature number alone.

How to Give Ibuprofen Safely

Read the active ingredient, concentration and age directions each time.
Shake liquid medicine when directed by the label.
Measure liquid medicine in milliliters with the correct device.
Record the amount and time, especially when multiple caregivers give medicines.
Avoid ibuprofen when your child is significantly dehydrated unless a clinician advises otherwise. Ask before use if your child has kidney disease, stomach bleeding or ulcers, or takes interacting medicines.
Stop and seek medical attention for an allergic reaction.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

Before using ibuprofen in an infant younger than 6 months.
If you are uncertain about the formulation, dose or age restrictions.
If your child is vomiting repeatedly, drinking poorly or urinating much less than usual.
If fever lasts longer than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years, or more than 3 days in an older child, or your child is worsening.

When to Get Urgent Help

A baby younger than 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher: seek prompt medical evaluation.
Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, inability to awaken, seizure, stiff neck or a non-blanching purple rash.
Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools requires urgent medical assessment.

Possible overdose? Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.), even if your child seems well. Call 911 for collapse, seizure, trouble breathing or inability to awaken.

Dr. G's Pearl

Check the bottle before you fill the syringe. Concentrated infant drops and children's liquid have different strengths. Never transfer the same number of milliliters from one formulation to the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much ibuprofen is safe for my child?

Use your child's current weight and the dosing instructions for the exact product and concentration. Do not increase the dose because the fever is high. If uncertain, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist.

Can a baby younger than 6 months take ibuprofen?

Not unless specifically directed by the baby's pediatrician. A rectal fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby younger than 3 months requires prompt medical evaluation.

How much ibuprofen can I give a 1-year-old?

Dose by current weight. For 18–23 lb, the infant chart shows 1.875 mL of concentrated drops labeled 50 mg/1.25 mL. Verify the exact product concentration before giving it.

How much ibuprofen can I give a 2-year-old?

For a child weighing 24–35 lb, the chart lists 5 mL of children's liquid 100 mg/5 mL. A 100 mg chewable tablet may be an option only when the child can safely chew it and the product label permits it. Weight and product directions take priority over age estimates.

Are infant drops and children's liquid the same strength?

No. Common U.S. infant drops contain 50 mg per 1.25 mL, while children's liquid contains 100 mg per 5 mL. Equal volumes do not deliver equal amounts of medicine.

How often can children take ibuprofen?

Generally every 6–8 hours as needed, no more than four doses in 24 hours. Follow the current product label and your pediatrician's directions.

What if I accidentally gave too much ibuprofen?

Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States. Do not wait for symptoms. Call 911 for collapse, seizure, trouble breathing or inability to awaken.

Medical References

Related Parent Resources

Medical Disclaimer

This page provides general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Product formulations and directions may change. Follow the current Drug Facts label and consult your child's healthcare professional when uncertain. Use of this page does not establish a physician-patient relationship.