Medicines for babies and children
Medicines are not always needed for minor illnesses like coughs and colds in children.
If your child does need a medicine, it's important they have one that's right for their age and you know how to give it to them safely.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen for babies and children
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe for treating pain in babies and children or a high temperature if they're distressed or unwell. Both are available as liquid medicines for young children.
It's best to choose a sugar-free version. Medicines that contain sugar can harm your child's teeth.
Make sure you get the right strength for your child's age and check the label for the correct dose. Or you can ask a pharmacist for advice.
It's a good idea to keep one or both medicines stored in a safe place at home.
At what age can I give my baby paracetamol or ibuprofen?
You can give paracetamol to children aged 2 months or older for pain or a high temperature.
You can give ibuprofen to children who are aged 3 months or older and who weigh more than 5kg (11lb).
Always read the instructions carefully, or check with a pharmacist or doctor.
If your child has asthma, get advice from a GP or pharmacist before giving them ibuprofen.
Do not give your child ibuprofen if they have chickenpox or are dehydrated.
Do not give aspirin to children under 16 unless it's prescribed by a doctor. It's been linked with a rare but dangerous illness called Reye's syndrome.
If you're breastfeeding, aspirin is not usually recommended as a painkiller. Ask your health visitor, midwife or GP for advice before taking it.
Read more about breastfeeding and medicines
Antibiotics for children
Children do not often need antibiotics. Most childhood infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics only treat illnesses caused by bacteria, not viruses.
If your child is prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, they may seem better after 2 or 3 days. But it's important to always finish the whole course to make sure all the bacteria are killed off.
If you do not finish the whole course, the infection is more likely to come back. It also increases the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Antibiotics work best if they are given at regular intervals. Giving them to your child at the same times each day may help you to remember.
Giving medicine to your child
Make sure you know how much and how often to give a medicine. Recording it in your child's Personal Child Health Record (PCHR, or red book) may help you remember.
Always read the label on the bottle, and stick to the recommended dose. If in doubt, check with a pharmacist, health visitor or GP.
Most medicines for young children come with a special measure called an oral syringe.
This helps you measure small doses of medicine more accurately. It also makes it easier to give the medicine to your child.
If you're not sure, your health visitor or pharmacist can explain how to use the syringe.
Never use a kitchen teaspoon to give your baby or child medicine, because they come in different sizes.
Video: How to give medicine to a child using an oral syringe
This video describes how to give medicine to a child using an oral syringe.
Media review due: 17 July 2025
Children and side effects from medicine
The leaflet that comes with a medicine will list any possible side effects.
If you think your child is reacting to a medicine – for example, with a rash or diarrhoea – speak to a GP, health visitor or pharmacist or call NHS 111 for advice.
Keep a note of the medicine's name in your child's red book for future reference.
Can you get over-the-counter children's medicines for free?
You can get treatment for some common conditions, such as sore throat and earache, from a pharmacy without needing a GP appointment.
The pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for your child and prescribe medicine if they need it.
You will not pay a prescription charge for children under 16.
Children's medicine safety tips
- Always check the expiry date – if you have any medicines at home that are out of date or your child no longer needs them, take them to a pharmacist to dispose of safely.
- Never give your child medicines that have been bought or prescribed for someone else.
- Always keep medicines out of your child's reach and out of sight.
- Ask a pharmacist about storing the medicine – some need to be kept in the fridge or out of direct sunlight.
Page last reviewed: 14 February 2024
Next review due: 14 February 2027