Tylenol vs Motrin for Babies: Which to Give and When

Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) are the two over-the-counter pain relievers approved for use in infants and children. This guide compares their uses, dosing, safety profiles, and when to use each one.

Content reviewed against published AAP, FDA guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed: July 2026

Key takeaways

Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be given from 3 months of age; Motrin (ibuprofen) is only approved from 6 months.
Ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties that acetaminophen does not, making it more effective for teething and swelling.
Acetaminophen can be dosed every 4-6 hours (max 5 doses/day); ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (max 4 doses/day).
Always dose by weight, not age, using the measuring device that comes with the product.
Alternating the two medications can help manage persistent fevers, but confirm the schedule with your pediatrician.

Factor: Active Ingredient

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): Acetaminophen

Motrin (Ibuprofen): Ibuprofen

Factor: Minimum Age

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): 3 months

Motrin (Ibuprofen): 6 months

Factor: Concentration

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): 160 mg / 5 mL

Motrin (Ibuprofen): 100 mg / 5 mL

Factor: Dosing Interval

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): Every 4-6 hours

Motrin (Ibuprofen): Every 6-8 hours

Factor: Max Doses/Day

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): 5

Motrin (Ibuprofen): 4

Factor: Anti-inflammatory

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): No

Motrin (Ibuprofen): Yes - reduces swelling and inflammation

Factor: Best For

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): Fever, general pain, headaches; safe for younger infants

Motrin (Ibuprofen): Fever, teething pain, ear infections, inflammation

Factor: Stomach Impact

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): Gentle on the stomach; can be given on an empty stomach

Motrin (Ibuprofen): Can cause stomach upset; best given with food

Factor: Method of Action

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): Blocks pain signals in the brain and reduces fever via the hypothalamus

Motrin (Ibuprofen): Reduces prostaglandins throughout the body, lowering pain, inflammation, and fever

Tylenol vs Motrin comparison for infants and children
Factor	Tylenol (Acetaminophen)	Motrin (Ibuprofen)
Active Ingredient	Acetaminophen	Ibuprofen
Minimum Age	3 months	6 months
Concentration	160 mg / 5 mL	100 mg / 5 mL
Dosing Interval	Every 4-6 hours	Every 6-8 hours
Max Doses/Day	5	4
Anti-inflammatory	No	Yes - reduces swelling and inflammation
Best For	Fever, general pain, headaches; safe for younger infants	Fever, teething pain, ear infections, inflammation
Stomach Impact	Gentle on the stomach; can be given on an empty stomach	Can cause stomach upset; best given with food
Method of Action	Blocks pain signals in the brain and reduces fever via the hypothalamus	Reduces prostaglandins throughout the body, lowering pain, inflammation, and fever

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) dosing chart

Dose by your child's weight, not age. Use the measuring device included with the product.

Weight (lbs): 6-11

Dose (mg): 40

Volume (mL): 1.25

Weight (lbs): 12-17

Dose (mg): 80

Volume (mL): 2.5

Weight (lbs): 18-23

Dose (mg): 120

Volume (mL): 3.75

Weight (lbs): 24-35

Dose (mg): 160

Volume (mL): 5

Weight (lbs): 36-47

Dose (mg): 240

Volume (mL): 7.5

Weight (lbs): 48-59

Dose (mg): 320

Volume (mL): 10

Weight (lbs): 60-71

Dose (mg): 400

Volume (mL): 12.5

Weight (lbs): 72-95

Dose (mg): 480

Volume (mL): 15

Weight (lbs): 96+

Dose (mg): 640

Volume (mL): 20

Acetaminophen weight-based dosing chart
Weight (lbs)	Dose (mg)	Volume (mL)
6-11	40	1.25
12-17	80	2.5
18-23	120	3.75
24-35	160	5
36-47	240	7.5
48-59	320	10
60-71	400	12.5
72-95	480	15
96+	640	20

Concentration: 160 mg / 5 mL. Interval: Every 4-6 hours. Maximum 5 doses per day. Minimum age: 3 months.

Ibuprofen (Motrin) dosing chart

Dose by your child's weight, not age. Use the measuring device included with the product.

Weight (lbs): 12-17

Dose (mg): 50

Volume (mL): 2.5

Weight (lbs): 18-23

Dose (mg): 75

Volume (mL): 3.75

Weight (lbs): 24-35

Dose (mg): 100

Volume (mL): 5

Weight (lbs): 36-47

Dose (mg): 150

Volume (mL): 7.5

Weight (lbs): 48-59

Dose (mg): 200

Volume (mL): 10

Weight (lbs): 60-71

Dose (mg): 250

Volume (mL): 12.5

Weight (lbs): 72-95

Dose (mg): 300

Volume (mL): 15

Weight (lbs): 96+

Dose (mg): 400

Volume (mL): 20

Ibuprofen weight-based dosing chart
Weight (lbs)	Dose (mg)	Volume (mL)
12-17	50	2.5
18-23	75	3.75
24-35	100	5
36-47	150	7.5
48-59	200	10
60-71	250	12.5
72-95	300	15
96+	400	20

Concentration: 100 mg / 5 mL. Interval: Every 6-8 hours. Maximum 4 doses per day. Minimum age: 6 months.

How to alternate Tylenol and Motrin

When a fever is persistent or your child is particularly uncomfortable, your pediatrician may recommend alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen. A common approach is to give one medication, wait 3 hours, then give the other. This staggers the medications so that one is always working while the other is wearing off. Keep a written log of what you gave and when to prevent accidental overdosing. Never exceed the maximum daily doses for either medication, even when alternating. This strategy is only appropriate for babies 6 months and older, since ibuprofen cannot be given before that age.

Teething pain: which medication to choose

Teething causes inflammation in the gums, which is why ibuprofen (Motrin) is often more effective for teething pain than acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory properties directly target the swelling that causes discomfort. However, for babies under 6 months who are teething early, acetaminophen is the safe choice. Non-medication approaches such as chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and cold washcloths can also provide relief. Avoid topical teething gels containing benzocaine, which the FDA warns against using in children under 2 years old.

Frequently asked questions

Can I alternate Tylenol and Motrin for my baby's fever?

Yes, alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen is a common practice recommended by many pediatricians for persistent fevers. A typical approach is to give one medication, then give the other 3 hours later, continuing to alternate. Always confirm the schedule with your pediatrician before starting, and keep a written log to avoid accidental double-dosing.

Which is better for teething pain, Tylenol or Motrin?

For babies 6 months and older, ibuprofen (Motrin) is often preferred for teething because it reduces both pain and the inflammation in the gums. For babies under 6 months, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the only option since ibuprofen is not approved for that age group. Always use the correct dose based on your baby's weight.

How fast does each medication reduce a fever?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) typically begins working within 30 minutes and reaches peak effect in 1 to 2 hours. Ibuprofen (Motrin) also begins working within 30 minutes but may take slightly longer to reach full effect. Ibuprofen tends to reduce fever more effectively and for a longer duration (6 to 8 hours vs 4 to 6 hours).

Is it safe to give both Tylenol and Motrin at the same time?

Giving both medications simultaneously is not generally recommended. Instead, alternate them with appropriate spacing. If you feel your child needs more fever control, contact your pediatrician for guidance. Never exceed the maximum recommended doses for either medication in a 24-hour period.

Bottom line

Both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) are safe and effective when dosed correctly by weight. Tylenol can be used from 3 months of age and is gentle on the stomach. Motrin can be used from 6 months and is better for inflammation and teething. Always confirm dosing with your pediatrician, especially for infants under 6 months.

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

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

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