How much fever reducer to give baby

This table is based on doctors' and the manufacturers' recommendations. It is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. If your child is 2 years old or younger, get the OK from your health care professional before giving the medicine.

And always call if you have any questions or concerns about giving medicine. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Acetaminophen Also Called? What Types of Acetaminophen Are Available? Other things to know: Check the expiration date to make sure it's not expired. If it is, throw the medicine away and buy a new product. For proper disposal, remove the medicine from its original container and place it in an undesirable substance that children or animals wouldn't be tempted to eat, like coffee grounds or kitty litter.

Then, put it in a sealable bag inside a garbage can. Make sure your child isn't already taking medicines with acetaminophen in them. Acetaminophen is a very common ingredient in cough, cold, and allergy medicines. If your child is taking one, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child more acetaminophen. Too much acetaminophen can damage a child's liver. Check the concentration and recommended dosage. Give your child a dose from the dropper, syringe, or cup that came with the product.

This will help ensure that your child gets the right amount of milliliters, or ml also called cc, or cubic centimeters , and doesn't overdose. Never use a measuring spoon from the kitchen or a cup or dropper from a different product. Chewables are not recommended for children younger than 2 years old due to the risk of choking. When giving for a fever, consider the child's temperature and age. If you have an infant 3 months or younger with a rectal temperature of A fever is a sign that your body is sick or has an infection.

A fever helps kill infections, bacteria and viruses that are causing the fever. Your child has a fever if his or her body temperature his higher than normal. A normal temperature is Normal for that method is Many doctors diagnose a fever as an oral temperature above They diagnose fever as a rectal temperature above But fever standards also depend on age, so what may be a fever in one person may not rate as a fever in someone else.

Place your child on his or her stomach across your lap. Apply petroleum jelly brand name: Vaseline to the tip of the thermometer. Stop if you feel any resistance.

Hold the thermometer still and do not let go. When the thermometer beeps, remove it and check the digital reading. Taking temperatures rectally is the preferred method for children. Place the end of the thermometer under his or her tongue. Go towards the back of the mouth. Have your child close his or her lips around the thermometer.

Tell your child not to bite down or talk. Fevers caused by illness or infection can be avoided by avoiding the things that cause illness and infection. Fevers caused by vaccinations can be avoided by giving your child acetaminophen. This is an over-the-counter medicine brand name: Tylenol. This should be given just before or right after the vaccination. Acetaminophen can be given to reduce a fever.

Ask your doctor for the correct dosage. If your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of A fever can be a sign of a serious infection in young babies. Never give your child aspirin for any reason. Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years of age.

Giving your child acetaminophen and a warm bath may lower his or her fever. Give the acetaminophen before the bath. A bath without medicine will cause your child to shiver. This will raise his or her body temperature.

Never use rubbing alcohol or cold water for baths. Things that can help include:. This article was contributed by: familydoctor. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. School-aged children are routinely exposed to a number of common childhood infections and illnesses.

But always…. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More.