As a pediatrician, I have stood in the exact spot where many of you find yourselves right now. It is usually 2:00 AM, your child feels warm to the touch, and they are fussy, uncomfortable, or in pain. Seeing your little one unwell is one of the most stressful experiences a parent goes through. In my practice, one of the most frequent phone calls I receive is from worried parents asking about how to safely bring down a fever or manage pain.
You want to help them feel better, and you want to do it safely. That is exactly why I am writing this guide. Ibuprofen, commonly known by the brand name Motrin (or Advil), is a fantastic tool in your parenting toolkit when used correctly. However, figuring out the right numbers in the middle of the night can be confusing.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about the proper Motrin dosage for kids, safety precautions, and how to measure like a pro. My goal is to empower you with the knowledge to handle these sick days with confidence.
Understanding Ibuprofen: What Is It?
Before we jump into the charts and numbers, let’s talk about what we are actually putting into our children’s bodies. Motrin is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). In plain English, this means it reduces inflammation, which helps lower fevers and block pain signals.
Unlike acetaminophen (Tylenol), which works strictly on the brain’s heat-regulating center, ibuprofen works by blocking the production of substances in the body that cause inflammation. This makes it particularly effective for things like teething pain, earaches, and sore throats that come with swelling.
It is generally safe for children aged 6 months and older. If your child is under 6 months, you should stick to acetaminophen unless a doctor specifically tells you otherwise. This is because young infant kidneys are still developing, and we want to be extra cautious.
When Should You Use Motrin?
I always tell parents that we treat the child, not the number on the thermometer. If your child has a low-grade fever but is playing happily, eating well, and staying hydrated, you might not need to give medication at all. Fever is actually a sign that the immune system is working!
However, you should consider using Motrin if your child:
- Has a fever over 102°F (39°C) and looks uncomfortable.
- Is fussy, crying, or unable to sleep due to pain (like teething or an ear infection).
- Complains of a headache or body aches associated with the flu.
- Has a sore throat that is preventing them from drinking fluids.
The Golden Rule: Weight Over Age
If there is one thing I want you to take away from this article, it is this: always dose by weight, not by age.
Children grow at vastly different rates. You might have a huge two-year-old who wears size 4 clothes, or a petite five-year-old. Age is just a number, but weight determines how the body metabolizes the medication. Dosing by age is a guessing game; dosing by weight is science.
Data Point: Research indicates that dosing errors occur in more than 40% of cases when parents rely solely on age or use household spoons instead of measuring devices. Using a recent weight ensures you are giving enough medication to be effective, but not so much that it becomes unsafe.
Charts: Your Motrin Dosage for Kids Guide
Below, I have created two charts to help you determine the right amount. Please check your medicine bottle carefully. Motrin comes in different concentrations, and mixing them up is a common mistake.
Chart 1: Infant Drops (Concentrated)
Concentration: 50 mg per 1.25 mL
This formulation is usually for babies 6 months to 23 months. It is more concentrated than the children’s liquid, meaning you give a smaller amount. Note: Always use the calibrated dropper that comes with the package.
| Child’s Weight (lbs) | Child’s Weight (kg) | Dosage (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 12-17 lbs | 5.4-7.7 kg | 1.25 mL |
| 18-23 lbs | 8.1-10.5 kg | 1.875 mL |
| 24-35 lbs | 10.9-15.9 kg | 2.5 mL |
Chart 2: Children’s Liquid Suspension & Chewables
Liquid Concentration: 100 mg per 5 mL (teaspoon)
Chewable Tablet Strength: 50 mg or 100 mg per tablet
This is the standard “Children’s Motrin” usually intended for kids ages 2 to 11. The liquid is less concentrated than the infant drops.
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Liquid (100mg/5mL) | Chewable Tabs (50mg each) | Chewable Tabs (100mg each) | Junior Strength Tabs (100mg each) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-35 lbs | 10.9-15.9 kg | 5 mL (1 tsp) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet | 1 tablet |
| 36-47 lbs | 16.3-21.3 kg | 7.5 mL (1 ½ tsp) | 3 tablets | 1 ½ tablets | 1 ½ tablets |
| 48-59 lbs | 21.7-26.7 kg | 10 mL (2 tsp) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 60-71 lbs | 27.2-32.2 kg | 12.5 mL (2 ½ tsp) | 5 tablets | 2 ½ tablets | 2 ½ tablets |
| 72-95 lbs | 32.6-43 kg | 15 mL (3 tsp) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets | 3 tablets |
| 96+ lbs | 43.5+ kg | 20 mL (4 tsp) | 8 tablets | 4 tablets | 4 tablets |
How to Measure Correctly (No Kitchen Spoons!)
You might think a teaspoon from your silverware drawer is accurate, but it isn’t. Silverware varies wildly in size. Using a kitchen spoon can lead to overdosing or underdosing, both of which are problematic.
Always use the dosing tool that came with the medication. If you lose it (which happens to the best of us), most pharmacies will give you a generic oral syringe or dosing cup for free if you ask.
When measuring liquid:
- Shake well: Suspensions can separate. If you don’t shake the bottle, the first dose might be too weak and the last dose too strong.
- Eye level: Hold the cup or syringe at eye level to ensure the liquid line matches the marking exactly.
- Double-check: Read the label twice. Ensure you aren’t confusing “mL” with “tsp.”
Safety Guidelines and Frequency
Knowing the amount is half the battle; knowing how often to give it is the other half. Ibuprofen lasts longer in the system than acetaminophen.
Frequency: You can give Motrin every 6 to 8 hours.
Maximum Limit: Do not give more than 4 doses in a 24-hour period.
It is important to keep a log. When you are sleep-deprived, it is incredibly easy to forget if you gave the medication at 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Write it down on a piece of paper or use a note on your phone. This simple habit prevents accidental double-dosing.
Also, never give Ibuprofen to a child who is dehydrated or vomiting continuously. NSAIDs are processed through the kidneys, and good hydration is necessary to protect kidney function. If your child cannot keep fluids down, call your doctor before giving Motrin.
Motrin vs. Tylenol: Can You Switch?
I often get asked if it is okay to alternate between Motrin and Tylenol. The short answer is yes, but with caution.
If one medication isn’t bringing the fever down or controlling the pain after 3 or 4 hours, you can utilize the other because they work through different mechanisms in the body. However, this increases the risk of dosing errors. I usually recommend sticking to one medication if it is working. If you do alternate, write down the schedule explicitly to avoid confusion.
For more detailed information on medication safety and symptoms, I highly recommend checking out this resource from HealthyChildren.org, which is run by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is a fantastic resource for parents.
Side Effects and Warnings
While Motrin is safe for most kids, it can cause stomach upset. This is why I suggest giving it with food or milk if possible. Even a few crackers or a few ounces of formula can help coat the stomach and prevent that tummy ache.
Data Point: According to clinical pharmacology studies, stomach irritation affects approximately 5% to 15% of children taking NSAIDs, but this is significantly reduced when the medication is taken with food.
Please stop giving the medication and call me (or your local doctor) if you notice:
- Severe stomach pain.
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like hives or facial swelling.
- Any difficulty breathing (call 911 immediately).
- Black or tarry stools.
A Note on Aspirin
While we are discussing safety, I must remind you: Never give aspirin to children or teenagers. Aspirin use during viral illnesses (like the flu or chickenpox) has been linked to Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition that affects the liver and brain. Stick to Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
When to Call the Doctor
Medication manages symptoms; it doesn’t cure the underlying illness. You should reach out to your pediatrician if:
- Your child is under 3 months old and has any fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher).
- The fever lasts more than 3 days.
- The fever goes away for 24 hours and then returns.
- Your child looks very sick even after the fever comes down.
- You are worried. Trust your gut. You know your child best.
Your Care Matters
Managing a sick child is exhausting. I see the dark circles under parents’ eyes in my office every day. Please know that you are doing a great job. By taking the time to read this guide and ensure you are using the correct Motrin dosage for kids, you are prioritizing your child’s safety and well-being.
Keep these charts handy (maybe bookmark this page for that 2:00 AM wake-up call), keep your medicine cabinet organized, and remember that this illness, too, shall pass. If you ever have doubts about a dosage or a symptom, pick up the phone. We doctors are here to help you navigate these bumpy roads of parenthood.
