Fever, pain and swelling · Over the counter
Motrin and Advil (ibuprofen) dosage for infants and children
Also sold as Infants’ Motrin, Children’s Motrin, Children’s Advil
Ibuprofen comes in two very different liquid strengths: Infants’ drops are 50 mg per 1.25 mL, and Children’s liquid is 100 mg per 5 mL. A 12-17 lb baby gets 1.25 mL of Infants’ drops or 2.5 mL of Children’s liquid. Give a dose every 6 to 8 hours, no more than 4 doses in 24 hours, and don’t give it to babies under 6 months unless a doctor tells you to.
Source: St. Louis Children's Hospital · American Academy of Pediatrics
Motrin / Advil dose calculator
Motrin / Advil dosage chart
| Weight | Dose (mg) | Infant drops 50 mg/1.25 mL | Liquid 100 mg/5 mL | Chewable 100 mg | Junior 100 mg | Tablet 200 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 lb (5.4-8.2 kg) | 50 mg | 1.25 mL | 2.5 mL | not used | not used | not used |
| 18-23 lb (8.2-10.9 kg) | 75 mg | 1.875 mL | 3.75 mL | not used | not used | not used |
| 24-35 lb (10.9-16.3 kg) | 100 mg | 2.5 mL | 5 mL | 1 tablet | not used | not used |
| 36-47 lb (16.3-21.8 kg) | 150 mg | 3.75 mL | 7.5 mL | 1½ tablets | not used | not used |
| 48-59 lb (21.8-27.2 kg) | 200 mg | 5 mL | 10 mL | 2 tablets | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 60-71 lb (27.2-32.7 kg) | 250 mg | not used | 12.5 mL | 2½ tablets | 2½ tablets | 1 tablet |
| 72-95 lb (32.7-43.5 kg) | 300 mg | not used | 15 mL | 3 tablets | 3 tablets | 1½ tablets |
| 96 lb and up (43.5 kg+) | 400 mg | not used | 20 mL | 4 tablets | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
- Babies under 6 months: do not give ibuprofen unless your child’s doctor tells you to.
- At 96 lb and over, no more than 3 doses (1,200 mg) in 24 hours, the adult daily maximum in the same table, unless a doctor directs otherwise.
Chart: St. Louis Children's Hospital. A hyphen means that product isn’t used at that weight.
Infants’ drops and Children’s liquid are different strengths
It’s an easy mix-up to make. Infants’ drops are twice as strong as Children’s liquid: 40 mg in each mL (50 mg in 1.25 mL) versus 20 mg in each mL (100 mg in 5 mL). The mL amounts on this page are different for each, so pick the product that matches your box before reading the dose.
Use the syringe that comes in the Infants’ box. Its marks (1.25 mL and 1.875 mL) are made for those doses.
Giving ibuprofen
- Give it with food or milk if it upsets your child’s stomach.
- Make sure your child is drinking. Ibuprofen is harder on the kidneys when a child is dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea.
- Write down the time of each dose so you don’t go over 4 in 24 hours.
- Measure in mL with the syringe. How to measure liquid medicine.
Signs your child needs a doctor
- Your baby is under 6 months and has a fever or pain.
- The fever lasts more than 3 days, or pain lasts more than 5 days.
- Your child has stomach pain, vomits blood, or has black stools.
- You gave too much or aren’t sure. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Common questions
How often can I give ibuprofen?
Every 6 to 8 hours as needed, and no more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Can babies under 6 months have Motrin?
Not unless your child’s doctor tells you to. For fever at that age, call the doctor.
Is Motrin the same as Advil?
Yes. Both are ibuprofen. Check the strength on the box, since that’s what changes the mL dose.
Can I alternate ibuprofen and Tylenol?
Only if your child’s doctor advises it. The alternating schedule keeps each medicine within its daily limit.
Sources
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Dose Table. St. Louis Children's Hospital (Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines). Checked 2026-09-18.
- Ibuprofen Dosing Table for Fever and Pain. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org (updated 19 Sep 2024). Checked 2026-09-18.
- Drug Facts label on the package. Manufacturer, U.S. OTC Drug Facts. Checked 2026-09-18.