Medical Conditions

Should I Give Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for Fever?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used from birth (with doctor guidance for babies under 3 months), while ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) is only safe after 6 months of age. Both are effective fever reducers. Acetaminophen works for about 4-6 hours and ibuprofen for 6-8 hours. Always dose by weight, not age, and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.

Key takeaways

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used from birth (with doctor guidance for babies under 3 months), while ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) is only safe after 6 months of age. Both are effective fever reducers. Acetaminophen works for about 4-6 hours and ibuprofen for 6-8 hours. Always dose by weight, not age, and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby's fever comes down within 1-2 hours of giving the appropriate dose of either medication
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that does not respond to medication
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used from birth (with doctor guidance for babies under 3 months), while ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) is only safe after 6 months of age. Both are effective fever reducers. Acetaminophen works for about 4-6 hours and ibuprofen for 6-8 hours. Always dose by weight, not age, and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. At 0-3 months, only acetaminophen is appropriate for this age group, and it should only be given after consulting your pediatrician. Any fever in a baby under 3 months needs medical evaluation before treating at home. Your doctor may recommend a specific dose based on your baby's exact weight. Never give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months. It is generally considered normal when your baby's fever comes down within 1-2 hours of giving the appropriate dose of either medication. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that does not respond to medication.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your baby's fever comes down within 1-2 hours of giving the appropriate dose of either medication
Your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that does not respond to medication
Your baby still has a low-grade fever after medication but is acting more comfortable and drinking well
Your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction to the medication such as hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing
The fever returns when the medication wears off during an illness, requiring another dose at the appropriate interval
You are unsure which medication is better for your baby's specific situation or medical history

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Only acetaminophen is appropriate for this age group, and it should only be given after consulting your pediatrician. Any fever in a baby under 3 months needs medical evaluation before treating at home. Your doctor may recommend a specific dose based on your baby's exact weight. Never give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months.

3-6 months

Acetaminophen is the only fever reducer recommended for babies under 6 months. Dose by weight using the syringe provided with the medication. You can give a dose every 4-6 hours as needed, but do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. Call your pediatrician if the fever is 102°F or higher or persists more than 24 hours.

6-12 months

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are now safe options. Ibuprofen tends to be slightly more effective for higher fevers and lasts longer (6-8 hours vs 4-6 hours). Ibuprofen should be given with food to minimize stomach upset. Your pediatrician can help you decide which is best based on your baby's specific situation.

12-24 months

Either medication works well. Some parents find ibuprofen more effective for teething pain and higher fevers, while acetaminophen may be gentler on the stomach. Always use the weight-based dosing chart and the measuring device that comes with the medicine. Never use a household spoon for dosing.

2-3 years

Both medications continue to be safe and effective at this age. Make sure you are using the correct formulation (infant drops vs children's liquid) as concentrations differ. As your child grows, the dose increases, so recheck the weight-based dosing chart regularly. Store all medications out of reach of children.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you are unsure which medication is better for your baby's specific situation or medical history.
  • Mention if your baby has kidney, liver, or stomach issues that may affect medication choice.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby's fever comes down within 1-2 hours of giving the appropriate dose of either medication
  • Your baby still has a low-grade fever after medication but is acting more comfortable and drinking well
  • The fever returns when the medication wears off during an illness, requiring another dose at the appropriate interval
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You are unsure which medication is better for your baby's specific situation or medical history
  • Your baby has kidney, liver, or stomach issues that may affect medication choice
  • You want to confirm the correct dose for your baby's current weight
Act now when...
  • Your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that does not respond to medication
  • Your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction to the medication such as hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your baby's fever comes down within 1-2 hours of giving the appropriate dose of either medication — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that does not respond to medication.

Can I Alternate Tylenol and Motrin for My Baby's Fever?

Alternating acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) is sometimes recommended by pediatricians for stubborn fevers in babies over 6 months, but it carries a risk of accidental overdosing. If your doctor recommends alternating, give one medication, wait 3 hours, then give the other, and keep a written log of every dose to avoid confusion.

My Baby's Fever Won't Go Down with Medicine

Fever-reducing medicine does not always bring the temperature back to normal, and that is okay. The goal is to improve your baby's comfort, not to reach a specific number. A temperature drop of 1-2 degrees after medication is considered a response. If your baby remains uncomfortable and the fever stays above 104°F despite proper dosing, contact your pediatrician.

Infant Tylenol Dosing Concerns

Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe when dosed correctly by weight. The most important rules are to dose by weight rather than age, use the measuring device that comes with the product, never give more than 5 doses in 24 hours, and always use infant-concentration products for babies. When in doubt, call your pediatrician before giving the first dose - they can give you the exact amount based on your baby's current weight. Never give acetaminophen to babies under 2 months without consulting a doctor first.

Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Dosing Safety

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given to babies 2 months and older. Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) should NOT be given to babies under 6 months. Dosing is based on your child's WEIGHT, not age - always use the dosing syringe that comes with the product and follow the weight-based chart on the packaging. Never give aspirin to children under 18 (risk of Reye syndrome). When in doubt about dosing, call your pediatrician. Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be effective for fever but increases the risk of dosing errors - only do this under your pediatrician's guidance.

Triage

Fever Decision Tree

Step-by-step guidance for evaluating your baby's fever by age and temperature.

Tool

Medicine Dosage Calculator

Calculate correct Tylenol and Motrin doses by your baby's weight.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever normal?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used from birth (with doctor guidance for babies under 3 months), while ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) is only safe after 6 months of age. Both are effective fever reducers. Acetaminophen works for about 4-6 hours and ibuprofen for 6-8 hours. Always dose by weight, not age, and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
When should I call the doctor about should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever?
Your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that does not respond to medication Your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction to the medication such as hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing
When is should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever normal?
Your baby's fever comes down within 1-2 hours of giving the appropriate dose of either medication Your baby still has a low-grade fever after medication but is acting more comfortable and drinking well The fever returns when the medication wears off during an illness, requiring another dose at the appropriate interval
What causes should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used from birth (with doctor guidance for babies under 3 months), while ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) is only safe after 6 months of age. Both are effective fever reducers. Acetaminophen works for about 4-6 hours and ibuprofen for 6-8 hours. Always dose by weight, not age, and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. Common explanations include: Your baby's fever comes down within 1-2 hours of giving the appropriate dose of either medication. Your baby still has a low-grade fever after medication but is acting more comfortable and drinking well.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever?
You should mention should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever at your next visit if: You are unsure which medication is better for your baby's specific situation or medical history. Your baby has kidney, liver, or stomach issues that may affect medication choice. You want to confirm the correct dose for your baby's current weight.
Is should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever normal at 0-3 months?
Only acetaminophen is appropriate for this age group, and it should only be given after consulting your pediatrician. Any fever in a baby under 3 months needs medical evaluation before treating at home. Your doctor may recommend a specific dose based on your baby's exact weight. Never give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 months.
Is should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever normal at 3-6 months?
Acetaminophen is the only fever reducer recommended for babies under 6 months. Dose by weight using the syringe provided with the medication. You can give a dose every 4-6 hours as needed, but do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. Call your pediatrician if the fever is 102°F or higher or persists more than 24 hours.
Should I go to the ER for should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever?
Seek emergency care if your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that does not respond to medication, or if your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction to the medication such as hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever go away on its own?
In many cases, should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever resolves on its own, especially when your baby's fever comes down within 1-2 hours of giving the appropriate dose of either medication. By 2-3 years, both medications continue to be safe and effective at this age. Make sure you are using the correct formulation (infant drops vs children's liquid) as concentrations differ. As your child grows, the dose increases, so recheck the weight-based dosing chart regularly. Store all medications out of reach of children.
AAPMAYO CLINICNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Fever and Your Baby. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Mayo Clinic. Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever. Mayo Clinic
  3. [3]National Institutes of Health. Fever in Children. MedlinePlus. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Should I Give Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for Fever?.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you are unsure which medication is better for your baby's specific situation or medical history.
  • Mention if your baby has kidney, liver, or stomach issues that may affect medication choice.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • You are unsure which medication is better for your baby's specific situation or medical history
  • Your baby has kidney, liver, or stomach issues that may affect medication choice
  • You want to confirm the correct dose for your baby's current weight

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher that does not respond to medication
  • Your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction to the medication such as hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Fever TriageWell-Baby Visit PrepMedicine Dosage CalculatorBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of should i give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby under 3 months has any fever, or your baby at any age has a fever of 104°f (40°c) or higher that does not respond to medication.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Related Medical Concerns

Can I Alternate Tylenol and Motrin for My Baby's Fever?

Alternating acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) is sometimes recommended by pediatricians for stubborn fevers in babies over 6 months, but it carries a risk of accidental overdosing. If your doctor recommends alternating, give one medication, wait 3 hours, then give the other, and keep a written log of every dose to avoid confusion.

My Baby's Fever Won't Go Down with Medicine

Fever-reducing medicine does not always bring the temperature back to normal, and that is okay. The goal is to improve your baby's comfort, not to reach a specific number. A temperature drop of 1-2 degrees after medication is considered a response. If your baby remains uncomfortable and the fever stays above 104°F despite proper dosing, contact your pediatrician.

Infant Tylenol Dosing Concerns

Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe when dosed correctly by weight. The most important rules are to dose by weight rather than age, use the measuring device that comes with the product, never give more than 5 doses in 24 hours, and always use infant-concentration products for babies. When in doubt, call your pediatrician before giving the first dose - they can give you the exact amount based on your baby's current weight. Never give acetaminophen to babies under 2 months without consulting a doctor first.

Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Dosing Safety

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given to babies 2 months and older. Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) should NOT be given to babies under 6 months. Dosing is based on your child's WEIGHT, not age - always use the dosing syringe that comes with the product and follow the weight-based chart on the packaging. Never give aspirin to children under 18 (risk of Reye syndrome). When in doubt about dosing, call your pediatrician. Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be effective for fever but increases the risk of dosing errors - only do this under your pediatrician's guidance.

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