Acetaminophen Dosage Chart for Babies and Kids

Acetaminophen can help soothe your child's fever and relieve pain. Use our age-by-age acetaminophen dosage chart to find out how much is safe for your baby or child.

By Nicole Harris

Updated on December 24, 2022

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Feverall, and Tempra) is a popular fever reducer and pain reliever. The medication is commonly used for babies and children and has many proven benefits. However, it can be dangerous when taken in the wrong dosage. Read these tips for acetaminophen safety, then check out our dosage chart for babies and children.

Acetaminophen Safety Tips

Use the following tips to keep your child safe and avoid overdosing:

Read the label

Infants' and children's acetaminophen are now the same concentration (160 mg/5 ml), but you should always read the label and dose accordingly. Additionally, note that the right dosage may need to be adjusted for your child if they are significantly larger or smaller than average for their age. If you have any questions, please contact your child's doctor.

Time it right

Give acetaminophen every four to six hours as needed. Don't exceed five doses in 24 hours.

Follow age restrictions

Don't give acetaminophen to babies under 3 months without calling your doctor first. You should also consider calling your doctor when giving acetaminophen to anyone under 2 years old.

Know how to measure

Always use the measuring device (dropper or measuring cup) that comes with the medication or you could risk overdosing. Never use droppers from different medications or spoons from the kitchen.

Don’t mix medicines

Parents will find acetaminophen in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Don’t mix medications with acetaminophen as this could cause an overdose.

Call the doctor for emergencies

Always call the pediatrician in the following instances.

Your baby is under 3 months with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Since newborns don’t have fully developed immune systems, they’re more susceptible to life-threatening infections like bacterial meningitis and pneumonia.
Your baby is 3 to 6 months with a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Your baby is older than 6 months with a temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Your child seems fussy, lethargic, dehydrated, or has any other symptoms that concern you.

Acetaminophen Dosage Chart

This acetaminophen dosage chart serves as a guide for parents. Note that many medications list dosages based on age as well as weight. It's usually recommended to base dosage on weight if there is a discrepancy. However, this chart is not a substitute for your doctor's advice, and you should always contact the pediatrician with any questions. Calling your doctor is especially encouraged if your child is less than 2 years old.