Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is one of the most common drugs kids take — and one of the hardest to give correctly. Because acetaminophen is sold in many forms, this chart can help you get the right dosage for your child. But before you head to the medicine cabinet, there are a few important points to remember:
• Never give a baby under the age of 3 months acetaminophen without talking to your doctor first.
• Although your baby's age is a rough guide, the amount of acetaminophen you give your child is based on his weight — not his age.
• Read the label. It's easy to get confused by the different forms and concentrations of acetaminophen available at your local drugstore (for details, see our articles on giving your baby or toddler medicine). You don't want to confuse teaspoons with tablespoons, or give a baby the same type of medicine you'd give a toddler.
• Always use the measuring device that came with the medicine — whether it's a dropper or a measuring cup.
The following acetaminophen dosage information is based on a chart from the American Academy of Pediatrics' book Caring for Your Baby and Young Child.
Age* Weight** Drops Elixir Chewable tablets
80 mg tabs
0 to 3 months 6 to 11 lbs.
(2.7 to 5 kg) 0.4 ml (1/2 dropper) -- --
4 to 11 months 12 to 17 lbs.
(5.5 to 7.7 kg) 0.8 ml (1 dropper) 1/2 tsp. --
12 to 23 months 18 to 23 lbs.
(8.2 - 10.5 kg) 1.2 ml (1 1/2 dropper) 3/4 tsp. (3.75 ml) --
2 to 3 years 24 to 35 lbs.
(10.9 to 15.9 kg) 1.6 ml (2 droppers) 1 tsp. (5 ml) 2 tablets
*Remember that your child's weight, not his age, determines how much medicine your child should get. If your baby weighs more than the weight range for his age group, check with your doctor before giving him the next highest dose.
**If you can't remember how much your child weighed at his last checkup, step on a scale while holding your baby, then weigh yourself alone. Subtract your weight from the combined weight and you'll know how much your baby weighs.
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