Paracetamol & Ibuprofen Dosing for Babies | Parenting Hub
When to use paracetamol or ibuprofen, age and weight rules, safe doses, and the mistakes that lead to overdose.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe and effective when dosed correctly. Most mistakes are double-dosing or using the wrong concentration — here are the rules.
The basics
- Treat discomfort, not the number on the thermometer
- Fever itself isn't dangerous — it's the body fighting the infection
- Don't give for fever-prevention or vaccines unless advised
Paracetamol (Panadol, Dymadon)
- From 1 month of age
- Dose: 15 mg per kg per dose, every 4–6 hours, max 4 doses (60 mg/kg) in 24 hours
- Check the concentration — infant drops, suspension and tablets are all different
- Use the syringe that came with the bottle
Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Brufen)
- From 3 months AND at least 5 kg
- Dose: 10 mg per kg per dose, every 6–8 hours, max 3 doses (30 mg/kg) in 24 hours
- Give with food to reduce stomach upset
- Avoid in dehydration, chickenpox, asthma flare-up, kidney problems — check with GP
Combining them
Only combine on GP advice — usually for unrelieved pain. Stagger: e.g. paracetamol on the hour, ibuprofen 3 hours later. Write down every dose. Most mistakes happen between two carers not communicating.
When to seek help
- Accidental overdose — call Poisons Information 13 11 26 (Australia) immediately
- Fever AND non-blanching rash, neck stiffness, drowsiness — 000
- Any fever in baby under 3 months — ED
- Fever lasting >48 hours in baby 3–6 months — see GP
Common questions
Can I give aspirin?
Never to under-16s — risk of Reye syndrome.
How do I work out the dose by weight?
Use baby's current weight in kg × the mg/kg dose, then check the mg/ml on the bottle. If unsure, call your pharmacist.