Is It Safe To Give Infants Acetaminophen?

TYLENOL®, which contains acetaminophen, is safe for infants when used as directed.^[1] It can provide relief from pain and fever, making it a common recommendation by pediatricians. Be sure to always follow the dosage guidelines provided on the product label or by your healthcare provider.^[1,2] For Infants’ TYLENOL® in particular, you will need to ask a doctor for dosing information if your child is under 2 years of age. That’s because while you can safely dispense TYLENOL® as an infant fever reducer or infant pain reliever, it’s possible to give too much baby TYLENOL® to your little one – which can have negative consequences. It is important to always read and follow the product label.

When giving children medicine, keep these tips in mind:^[3]

• Keep medicines out of reach and sight.

• Only use medicines that are specifically made for children.

• Always read and follow the directions on the label.

• Use the measuring device that came with the medicine.

• Dispose of old medicines properly by finding designated drop-off sites.

• Refrain from referring to medicine as candy.

To recap, can you give infants acetaminophen? The answer is yes — but you must do so carefully and consult with your pediatrician if you’re ever unsure about the amount you should give.

Acetaminophen is a widely used medication for managing mild to moderate pain and reducing fever. Healthcare providers may prescribe acetaminophen for babies and adults alike.

Despite its long history, the exact mechanism of how it works is still not fully understood. Acetaminophen is believed to exert its pain-relieving effects primarily through the central nervous system. Unlike local anesthetics or NSAIDs like ibuprofen — which work directly at the site of pain — acetaminophen is thought to act in the brain to reduce the perception of pain.

This is why it can be effective for a variety of pain conditions, from toothaches to stubbed toes. For fever reduction, acetaminophen is thought to affect the part of the brain that controls the body's core temperature.^[4]

Curious to learn more? Check out our What is Acetaminophen? article.

TYLENOL® can be given to infants to help with:

• Fever

• Discomfort from the common cold or flu

• Headaches

• Sore throat

• Toothache

For parents wondering ‘is infant TYLENOL® safe for teething?’, you can rest easy. If your little one is particularly uncomfortable, you can try a pain medicine containing acetaminophen with your doctor’s approval.

It’s important to remember — teething is a long process, and you should never give your baby more medicine than is directed. Thankfully, there are plenty of additional ways to help relieve teething pain, such as using teething toys, cold washcloths, and massaging their gums.^[5]

How Much TYLENOL^® Should I Give My Baby?

The correct dosage of TYLENOL® for infants depends on their weight and age.

For detailed dosing information, refer to our Dosage Guide and How to Give Infants Medicine pages.

The most appropriate TYLENOL® product for your child depends on their age and specific condition. Common forms include:

• Infants' TYLENOL® Oral Suspension Dye-Free:Suitable for infants and young children, this product provides temporary relief from minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, headache, sore throat, and toothache. It is dye free and free of high fructose corn syrup.

• Children's TYLENOL® Oral Suspension Dye-Free:Recommended for children ages 2-11, this product is gentle on little stomachs and free of dyes, parabens, and high fructose corn syrup.

Visit our How to Choose Which TYLENOL® May Be Right for My Child article to learn more.