A Parent's Guide: Can I give paracetamol to my newborn?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

In some studies, over 90% of children have been exposed to paracetamol. But when it comes to the youngest infants, parents often ask, 'Can I give paracetamol to my newborn?' The answer requires extreme caution and adherence to strict medical guidance.

Quick Summary

Giving paracetamol to a newborn is not recommended without a doctor's advice, especially for babies under 2 months old. This guide details the correct usage, dosage, risks, and when to seek medical help.

Key Points

Doctor's Advice First: Never give paracetamol to a baby under 2 months old unless prescribed by a doctor.
Fever is a Red Flag: A fever (38°C/100.4°F or higher) in a baby under 3 months requires immediate medical evaluation.
Weight, Not Age: Dosage for infants must be calculated based on their exact weight to avoid overdose.
Overdose Risk: Newborns have immature livers, increasing the risk of toxicity from even small dosing errors.
Use the Right Tools: Always use the oral syringe provided with the medicine for accurate dosing, never a kitchen spoon.
Ibuprofen is Different: Ibuprofen has different age restrictions and should not be given to babies under 3 months of age.
Recognize the Signs: Learn to identify signs of pain in newborns, such as high-pitched crying, facial grimacing, and changes in behavior.

A Question of Safety: Paracetamol and Your Newborn

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a common medication for treating pain and fever in children. However, administering it to newborns (under 28 days old) and very young babies requires careful medical consideration and supervision. A newborn's liver is not fully developed, affecting how they process medications compared to older children or adults. This immaturity raises the risk of accidental overdose and potential toxicity. Paracetamol should generally not be given to babies under 2 months old unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. Any fever in a baby this young warrants immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Official Guidance: Age and Medical Advice

According to health authorities like the NHS, paracetamol syrup can be given to babies from 2 months old for pain and fever. For infants younger than 2 months, it should only be administered if a doctor prescribes it. For babies aged 2 to 3 months, a doctor or pharmacist might recommend a limited number of doses, such as after vaccinations. It is critical to contact a doctor immediately if a baby under 3 months has a fever (38°C or 100.4°F or higher). A healthcare professional needs to determine the cause of the fever.

Understanding the Risks for Newborns

The main risks of giving paracetamol to a newborn are related to their developing body systems:

Liver Immaturity: A newborn's liver metabolizes drugs less effectively. Paracetamol overdose can cause severe liver damage.
Risk of Overdose: Accurate dosing is crucial as infants have a narrow therapeutic window for paracetamol. Dosage must be based on the baby's weight, not just age. Incorrect dosing can lead to toxicity.
Masking Serious Illness: Paracetamol can lower fever, potentially hiding symptoms of serious infections like sepsis or meningitis that need urgent medical care.
Neurodevelopmental Concerns: Some studies suggest a possible link between early paracetamol exposure and long-term neurodevelopmental issues, highlighting the need for caution.

How to Administer Medication Safely to an Infant

If your doctor recommends paracetamol, follow these steps for safe administration:

Use the correct measuring tool: Always use the oral syringe provided with the medication for accurate dosing. Avoid using kitchen spoons.
Verify the strength: Check the concentration of the liquid paracetamol (e.g., 120mg/5ml) and confirm the correct dose for this strength.
Proper positioning: Hold your baby upright or semi-upright to minimize the risk of choking.
Administer slowly: Place the syringe tip against the inside of your baby's cheek. Slowly dispense the medicine in small amounts, allowing them to swallow. Do not squirt it towards the back of the throat.
Track doses: Keep a record of the time and amount of each dose given to avoid accidental double-dosing.

Recognizing Signs of Pain in a Newborn

Since newborns cannot verbally express pain, observe their behavior for indicators:

Crying: Listen for a cry that is high-pitched, persistent, or different from their usual cries.
Facial Expressions: Look for grimacing, frowning, a furrowed brow, or tightly closed eyes.
Body Movements: Notice if they become rigid, arch their back, pull their legs to their chest, or clench their fists.
Behavioral Changes: Observe difficulties with feeding, changes in sleep, increased irritability, restlessness, or becoming unusually floppy and inactive.

Comparison: Paracetamol vs. Ibuprofen for Infants

Ibuprofen is another option for pain and fever, but it has different age guidelines.


Feature	Paracetamol (e.g., Calpol, Tylenol)	Ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen for Children, Advil)
Minimum Age	2 months (unless prescribed by a doctor)	3 months and weighing over 5kg (11lbs)
How it Works	Primarily targets the central nervous system to relieve pain and fever.	An NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) that reduces pain and inflammation-causing hormones.
Dosing Frequency	Every 4 to 6 hours, up to 4 times in 24 hours.	Every 6 to 8 hours, up to 3-4 times in 24 hours.
Contraindications	Use cautiously with liver or kidney issues.	Avoid in children with asthma (unless GP advised), chickenpox, or dehydration. Can be harder on the stomach.

Conclusion: Doctor's Advice is Paramount

The answer to 'Can I give paracetamol to my newborn?' is a definitive 'only with direct medical guidance.' For infants under 2 months, giving paracetamol without a doctor's instruction is unsafe due to the risk of hiding serious illness and the potential for overdose because of their immature liver function. Always consult a doctor if your newborn or young infant has fever or pain. For babies over 2 months, strictly adhere to the weight-based dosage instructions on the packaging and never exceed the recommended dose. Prioritizing caution and professional medical advice is essential for your baby's health.

For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the NHS page on Paracetamol for Children.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can give paracetamol syrup to babies from 2 months of age. For babies younger than 2 months, you must only give it if prescribed by a doctor.

The correct dose is based on your child's weight, not age. Always follow the instructions on the packaging or your doctor's advice, and use the provided measuring syringe to ensure accuracy.

You can typically give a dose every 4 to 6 hours, but you should not give more than four doses in any 24-hour period.

The main risks include severe liver damage from overdose due to their immature liver, and the potential to mask the symptoms of a serious underlying infection.

Ibuprofen should not be given to babies under 3 months old who weigh less than 5kg (11lbs). Always consult a doctor or pharmacist, especially if your child has conditions like asthma.

If your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, you should contact a doctor immediately. For older babies, you can consider paracetamol if they seem distressed, but it's not always necessary to treat a fever.

Use an oral syringe and aim it towards the inside of your baby's cheek. Administer the liquid slowly in small amounts to give them time to swallow. Keeping them upright can also help prevent choking.