Acetaminophen is gentle on little tummies and can be given with or without food, making it perfect for those middle-of-the-night moments when your child needs relief. For infants and toddlers, liquid formulations work beautifully - they're often flavored to taste good and can be measured precisely using the dosing syringe that comes with the medication. Older children who can safely swallow may take chewable tablets or regular tablets. The key is giving the right dose based on your child's weight (not age) and spacing doses at least 4 hours apart.
3 months and older
160 mg/5 mL
Cherry, grape, or bubblegum - good palatability
2 years and older (who can chew safely)
80 mg or 160 mg per tablet
Grape, cherry, or fruit punch - excellent palatability
6+ years (who can swallow pills)
325 mg or 500 mg
Get the medication bottle, measuring device that came with it, and a comfortable place to sit with your child
Safety Note: Never use kitchen spoons or measuring devices from other medications
Shake liquid medications well for at least 10 seconds to ensure even distribution
Use the oral syringe or dosing cup to measure the exact amount prescribed
Safety Note: Double-check the dose against your doctor's instructions and your child's current weight
Hold infants in feeding position or have older children sit upright
Safety Note: Never give medication to a child lying flat on their back
For oral syringes, place tip toward the inside of the cheek and push plunger slowly
Method: Oral syringe toward inside cheek
Positioning: Hold in feeding position or upright in lap
Method: Oral syringe or small dosing cup
Positioning: Sitting upright in high chair or your lap
Method: Oral syringe, dosing cup, or chewable tablets
Positioning: Sitting independently
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Temperature: Room temperature (68-77°F)
Stability: Use within 2 years of opening if stored properly
Risk: Inaccurate dosing that could be too little (ineffective) or too much (dangerous)
Prevention: Always use the measuring device that comes with the medication
Risk: Accidental overdose leading to liver damage
Prevention: Check all medications for acetaminophen and keep a medication log
Risk: Under-dosing or over-dosing, especially in smaller or larger children
Prevention: Always use current weight for dose calculation
The 2011 FDA standardization eliminated the dangerous concentration difference between infant drops and children's liquid, reducing dosing errors by 70%
Weight-based dosing (10-15 mg/kg) is more accurate than age-based dosing, especially for children at growth extremes
Rectal bioavailability is equivalent to oral, making suppositories excellent for vomiting children or those who refuse oral medication
Children have enhanced sulfation capacity compared to adults, providing some protection against acetaminophen toxicity, but this doesn't justify higher doses
Remember, you're doing a wonderful job caring for your little one. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.