How much Children's Tylenol do I give?

Follow the weight chart: for example, 5 mL for 24 to 35 lbs and 10 mL for 48 to 59 lbs.

How often can I give Children's Motrin?

Every 6 to 8 hours if needed, not more than 4 times a day, per the label.

Can I give Children's Tylenol to a baby?

For children under 2 or under 24 lbs, the label says ask a doctor.

Can I use a kitchen spoon?

No. Both labels say use only the enclosed dosing cup.

Are Children's Tylenol and Motrin doses the same?

The mL amounts by weight match on these labels, but timing differs: every 4 hours vs every 6 to 8 hours.

Can I alternate Tylenol and Motrin?

Ask your child's doctor first; follow each label's own timing and daily limits and keep a written log.

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Children's Tylenol vs Children's Motrin: dosing by weight and safety

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Quick answerChildren's Tylenol liquid has acetaminophen 160 mg per 5 mL; Children's Motrin liquid has ibuprofen 100 mg per 5 mL. Both labels use the same weight and age chart for ages 2 to 11, from 5 mL for 24 to 35 lbs up to 15 mL for 72 to 95 lbs, and say ask a doctor for children under 24 lbs or under 2 years. The difference is timing: Tylenol may be repeated every 4 hours, no more than 5 times in 24 hours; Motrin every 6 to 8 hours, no more than 4 times a day. Use weight to dose when possible, use only the enclosed dosing cup, and never guess, the FDA advises.

Our picks at a glance

Children's Tylenol liquid (acetaminophen 160 mg/5 mL). Best for: Fever and pain in children 2 to 11. See options on Amazon
Children's Motrin liquid (ibuprofen 100 mg/5 mL). Best for: Longer dosing intervals. See options on Amazon

Compare the picks and what to watch out for

Dose chart (both liquids, ages 2 to 11)

Weight (age)	Children's Tylenol 160 mg/5 mL	Children's Motrin 100 mg/5 mL
Under 24 lbs (under 2 years)	Ask a doctor	Ask a doctor
24 to 35 lbs (2 to 3 years)	5 mL	5 mL
36 to 47 lbs (4 to 5 years)	7.5 mL	7.5 mL
48 to 59 lbs (6 to 8 years)	10 mL	10 mL
60 to 71 lbs (9 to 10 years)	12.5 mL	12.5 mL
72 to 95 lbs (11 years)	15 mL	15 mL
How often	Every 4 hours; max 5 times in 24 hours	Every 6 to 8 hours; max 4 times a day

Details are from each product's DailyMed label. Both say use weight to dose if possible, otherwise age, or as directed by a doctor.

Measuring the dose

Use the enclosed cup only. Both labels say use only the dosing cup that comes with the product, and Tylenol says it is specifically designed for that product.
Shake well before using.
Weight first. If you know your child's weight, use it; otherwise use age.
Never guess. The FDA says never guess on a dose, and if the label does not list a dose for your child's weight or age, ask a health care professional.
Not for adults. Both labels say the product does not contain directions or complete warnings for adult use.

Acetaminophen and the liver

Children's Tylenol contains acetaminophen. The FDA says more than 600 medications contain acetaminophen, so check every product's Drug Facts label and do not give more than one acetaminophen medicine at a time, including children's cold and cough products. The label says severe liver damage may occur if your child takes more than 5 doses in 24 hours, the maximum daily amount, or takes it with other drugs containing acetaminophen. See our acetaminophen guide for how the daily limit works for adults.

Ibuprofen warnings for children

Children's Motrin contains ibuprofen, an NSAID. Its label includes an allergy alert, since ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin, and NSAID warnings about stomach bleeding. Do not combine it with other NSAID products. Ask a doctor before use if your child has not been drinking fluids, has lost a lot of fluid from vomiting or diarrhea, or has stomach problems; follow the full warnings on the carton. See our ibuprofen guide.

When to call the doctor

Ask a doctor before giving either medicine to a child under 2 or under 24 lbs. Call your child's doctor for a fever in a young baby, a fever that lasts or keeps returning, trouble breathing, signs of dehydration, a stiff neck, a rash, unusual sleepiness, or a child who seems very ill. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away, even if your child seems fine.

To check temperatures accurately, see our digital thermometer guide.

Storing and choosing

Store both liquids between 20 and 25 C (68 and 77 F), and do not use them if the safety seal is broken or missing. Children's Tylenol lists potassium 5 mg per 5 mL; Children's Motrin lists sodium 2 mg per 5 mL and FD&C red no. 40 among its inactive ingredients, which matters if you avoid dyes. Keep both out of reach of children and write the time of each dose on a note or phone so caregivers do not double up.

For kids' allergy medicines, see our antihistamine for kids guide.

What to look for when you buy

Children's Tylenol liquid (acetaminophen 160 mg/5 mL)

Best for: Fever and pain in children 2 to 11

Its label lists acetaminophen 160 mg per 5 mL with a weight-based chart and enclosed cup.

Watch out: Every 4 hours, not more than 5 times in 24 hours; avoid other acetaminophen products.

See options on Amazon

Children's Motrin liquid (ibuprofen 100 mg/5 mL)

Best for: Longer dosing intervals

Its label lists ibuprofen 100 mg per 5 mL, every 6 to 8 hours, not more than 4 times a day.

Watch out: NSAID warnings; contains FD&C red no. 40.