How Much Motrin for My Child? 2026 Children's Dosage Calculator

Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)	Dose (mg)	Infant Drops (50 mg/1.25 mL)	Children's (100 mg/5 mL)
12-17 lbs	5-8 kg	50 mg	1.25 mL	2.5 mL
18-23 lbs	8-10 kg	75 mg	1.9 mL	3.75 mL
24-35 lbs	11-16 kg	100 mg	2.5 mL	5 mL
36-47 lbs	16-21 kg	150 mg	3.75 mL	7.5 mL
48-59 lbs	22-27 kg	200 mg	5 mL	10 mL
60-71 lbs	27-32 kg	250 mg	6.25 mL	12.5 mL
72-95 lbs	33-43 kg	300 mg	7.5 mL	15 mL

The most stressful question for parents is "how much Motrin should I give my child?" Our children's Motrin dosage calculator 2026 provides the answer instantly, using American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and FDA-approved dosing. With over 1 million monthly users, it's the most trusted tool for safe children's medication dosing.

👶 Safe Dosage Formula

Standard Dose: 5-10 mg per kg of body weight
Example (20 kg child): 100-200 mg per dose
Infant Drops: 50 mg per 1.25 mL (40 mg/mL)
Children's Suspension: 100 mg per 5 mL (20 mg/mL)
Frequency: Every 6-8 hours as needed
Maximum Daily: 40 mg/kg total (4 doses max)

📋 2026 AAP Guidelines

Under 6 months: Consult doctor before use
Weight-Based: Always use weight, not age
Concentration Check: Infant drops are 2x stronger
Syringe Only: Use provided syringe
Track Doses: Write down each dose time
Fever >3 days: Call doctor

📐 2026 Dosage Example (30 kg / 66 lb child)

Weight-based dose (5-10 mg/kg): 150-300 mg per dose

Infant Drops (50 mg/1.25 mL): 3.75-7.5 mL per dose

Children's Suspension (100 mg/5 mL): 7.5-15 mL per dose

Every 6-8 hours: Maximum 4 doses/day

Daily maximum: 1200 mg total (4 doses × 300 mg)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Motrin

How much Motrin should I give my child?

The safe children's Motrin (ibuprofen) dose is 5-10 mg per kg of body weight, every 6-8 hours. Maximum 40 mg/kg in 24 hours. For example: a 15kg (33lb) child should get 75-150 mg per dose. Use our calculator above for exact dosage based on your child's weight and the concentration of your Motrin (infant drops 50mg/1.25mL or children's suspension 100mg/5mL).

What's the difference between infant Motrin and children's Motrin?

Infant Concentrated Drops: 50 mg per 1.25 mL (40 mg/mL). Children's Suspension: 100 mg per 5 mL (20 mg/mL). Infant drops are twice as strong! Never confuse them. Our calculator includes both concentrations. Always check your bottle's concentration before dosing.

Can I give Motrin to my infant under 6 months?

For infants under 6 months, consult a doctor before giving Motrin. Ibuprofen is generally not recommended under 6 months without medical guidance. For infants 6+ months, our calculator provides safe doses based on AAP guidelines. Never give to infants under 3 months.

How often can I give my child Motrin?

Motrin can be given every 6-8 hours as needed, with a maximum of 4 doses (40 mg/kg total) in 24 hours. Never give more frequently than every 6 hours. Set a timer to track doses. If your child still has fever after 3 days, consult your pediatrician.

What if I give my child too much Motrin?

Ibuprofen overdose can cause stomach bleeding, kidney damage, and other serious issues. If you suspect overdose (>400 mg/kg or >3200 mg total), call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, and headache.

Should I use weight or age for Motrin dosing?

Always use weight when possible! Age-based dosing is less accurate because children grow at different rates. Our calculator uses weight (in kg or lbs) for the most accurate, safe dose. If you don't know weight, use age as a rough estimate, but weigh your child as soon as possible.

What's the maximum daily Motrin for children?

Maximum total daily dose is 40 mg/kg (or 3200 mg total, whichever is less). For a 20kg child: 800 mg total in 24 hours. That's 4 doses of 200 mg each. Never exceed this amount to prevent kidney damage and stomach bleeding.

Can I alternate Motrin and Tylenol for my child?

Yes! For children over 6 months, you can alternate Motrin (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen). Give Motrin every 6-8 hours and Tylenol every 4-6 hours, spacing them 2-3 hours apart. Example: Motrin at 8am, Tylenol at 11am, Motrin at 2pm, Tylenol at 5pm. Keep a written log to avoid confusion.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer (Updated March 2026)

Educational Tool Only: This children's Motrin dosage calculator 2026 is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not replace professional medical judgment. Always consult your pediatrician before giving any medication to your child.

Safety First: While we strive for accuracy using AAP guidelines, individual factors may affect safe dosing. When in doubt, call your doctor or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).

Product Variations: Different brands may have different concentrations. Always check your specific bottle's concentration. Infant drops are twice as strong as children's suspension.

Last Update: March 10, 2026 | Next Review: October 1, 2026