For Parents

Pediatric medication dosage calculator.

Weight-based dosing for the most common over-the-counter medications used for infants and toddlers — including acetaminophen (also called paracetamol outside the US), ibuprofen, and antihistamines. Always confirm with your provider for your child’s specific situation.

Before you dose

Three rules that matter every time

Always dose by weight, not age

Package labels show age ranges as a guide, but the correct dose is always based on your child’s current weight. Two children the same age can need very different amounts.

Use the right measuring tool

Always use the dosing syringe or cup that comes with the medication. A kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. If the packaging didn’t include one, ask your pharmacist for one.

Check the concentration

Children’s and infant formulations of the same drug can have different concentrations. Always read the label carefully — the dose changes depending on which product you have.

This calculator provides general guidance only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If your child has a chronic condition, takes other medications, or you are unsure about dosing, contact your provider before giving any medication.

Interactive tool

Calculate the right dose for your child

Enter your child’s weight to get weight-based dosing guidance for the most common pediatric medications.

Medication guide

Common medications for infants and toddlers

What each medication is for, when to use it, and what to watch out for. If a parent outside the US is searching for paracetamol — that’s the same drug as acetaminophen, just the name used in most other countries.

Acetaminophen

Also known as: paracetamol, Tylenol, Children’s Tylenol, Feverall, Tempra, Panadol, Calpol

Safe from birth

What it’s used for

Fever reduction and mild to moderate pain relief — teething pain, ear pain, headaches, and post-vaccination soreness.

Standard dose

10–15 mg per kg of body weight every 4–6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours.

Common brand names

Tylenol Panadol Calpol Tempra Feverall Paracetamol

Available forms

Infant drops (160 mg/5 mL), children’s liquid suspension, chewable tablets, suppositories.

Important: Acetaminophen and paracetamol are exactly the same drug — acetaminophen is the name used in the US and Canada; paracetamol is used in the UK, Europe, Australia, and most other countries. Do not give both at the same time.

Ibuprofen

Also known as: Advil, Motrin, Children’s Motrin, Nurofen

6 months and older only

What it’s used for

Fever reduction and pain relief — works better than acetaminophen for inflammation-related pain. Tends to last longer (6–8 hours vs. 4–6 hours).

Standard dose

5–10 mg per kg of body weight every 6–8 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.

Common brand names

Children’s Motrin Children’s Advil Nurofen

Available forms

Children’s liquid suspension (100 mg/5 mL), chewable tablets. Give with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.

Do not use in infants under 6 months, children who are dehydrated, or children with kidney problems. If your child is vomiting and can’t keep fluids down, use acetaminophen instead.

Diphenhydramine

Also known as: Benadryl, Children’s Benadryl

Not recommended under 2 years

What it’s used for

Allergic reactions, hives, hay fever symptoms, and itching. Sometimes used for motion sickness. Not recommended as a sleep aid.

Standard dose (2 years+)

1 mg per kg of body weight every 6 hours as needed. Maximum 50 mg per dose.

Common brand names

Benadryl Children’s Benadryl ZzzQuil

Available forms

Children’s liquid (12.5 mg/5 mL), chewable tablets, regular tablets.

Not for infants under 2 years without direct provider guidance. Can cause paradoxical excitability in young children — some children become more agitated, not less. Never use to sedate a child for travel.

Loratadine

Also known as: Claritin, Children’s Claritin, Alavert

2 years and older

What it’s used for

Seasonal allergies, hay fever, hives, and allergic rhinitis. Non-drowsy for most children — a good first choice for daytime allergy relief.

Standard dose

Ages 2–5: 5 mg once daily. Ages 6+: 10 mg once daily.

Common brand names

Children’s Claritin Alavert

Available forms

Children’s syrup (5 mg/5 mL), chewable tablets, dissolving tablets.

Non-drowsy antihistamine. Better choice than diphenhydramine for daytime use and ongoing allergy management. Does not work as fast as diphenhydramine for acute allergic reactions.

Cetirizine

Also known as: Zyrtec, Children’s Zyrtec, Reactine

2 years and older

What it’s used for

Seasonal and year-round allergies, hives, and allergic rhinitis. Works within 1 hour and lasts 24 hours. Slightly more likely to cause drowsiness than loratadine.

Standard dose

Ages 2–5: 2.5 mg once daily. Ages 6+: 5–10 mg once daily.

Common brand names

Children’s Zyrtec Reactine Cetrine

Available forms

Children’s syrup (5 mg/5 mL), chewable tablets, dissolving tablets.

Good choice for children who also have eczema or chronic hives alongside allergies. May cause mild drowsiness — some parents prefer to give it at bedtime.

What to avoid

Medications not safe for infants and toddlers

Some common medications that are safe for older children and adults should never be given to infants or toddlers.

Aspirin

Never give aspirin to anyone under 18 with a viral illness — it’s linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the liver and brain.

Codeine and tramadol

These opioid pain relievers are not approved for children under 12 and carry serious breathing risks. Do not use them in young children under any circumstances.

Adult-strength formulations

Never split or crush adult tablets to create a smaller dose. The formulations are different and the concentrations are not designed for children’s weight ranges.

Cough and cold medicines under 4

The FDA recommends against using over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under 4 years old — they are not effective and can cause serious side effects.

See it. Treat it. Track it.

Log medications and doses in MamaBear alongside symptoms — and share the complete picture with your provider.

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