Baby Medicines Guide: Calpol, Ibuprofen, and What's Safe for Your Baby

Having the right medicines in the house and knowing how to use them correctly can make an enormous difference when your baby is unwell. Here's a clear UK guide.

Paracetamol (Calpol, Disprol, own brands)

From: 2 months old and at least 4kg in weight (if born at full term — premature babies have different guidance, check with your GP)

For: Fever, pain (teething, post-vaccination, ear pain, headache)

How it works: Reduces fever and relieves pain by blocking pain signals and reducing the brain's response to prostaglandins.

UK doses (infant suspension — 120mg/5ml):

• 2–3 months: 2.5ml, maximum 2 doses in 24 hours
• 3–6 months: 2.5ml, up to 4 doses in 24 hours
• 6–24 months: 5ml, up to 4 doses in 24 hours

Always check the product label — different concentrations exist.

Key rules:

• Space doses at least 4 hours apart
• No more than 4 doses in 24 hours
• Don't use for more than 3 days without medical advice
• Give the correct dose for weight if possible, or for age if weight unknown

Ibuprofen (Nurofen for Children, Calprofen, own brands)

From: 3 months old (some brands say 3 months/5kg+)

For: Fever, pain, inflammation (more effective for inflammation than paracetamol)

How it works: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — reduces inflammation, fever, and pain.

UK doses (infant suspension — 100mg/5ml):

• 3–6 months: 2.5ml, up to 3 doses in 24 hours (max 50mg/day)
• 6–12 months: 2.5ml, up to 3 doses in 24 hours (max 150mg/day)
• 1–3 years: 5ml, up to 3 doses in 24 hours

Again — check the product label. Doses vary by concentration.

Key rules:

• Space doses at least 6–8 hours apart
• No more than 3 doses in 24 hours
• Always give with or after food — can cause stomach irritation
• Do not give if: baby is dehydrated, vomiting significantly, has kidney problems, is known to be allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs

Alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen

Both medicines can be given in the same 24-hour period (they work differently), but they should not be given at exactly the same time. If fever is not responding to one alone, alternating every 2–4 hours (paracetamol, wait 2–3 hours, ibuprofen, wait 2–3 hours, paracetamol again) can be more effective.

Discuss with your pharmacist or GP before doing this regularly.

Medicines to have at home

Essential:

• Paracetamol infant suspension (Calpol or own brand) — check it's in date
• Ibuprofen infant suspension (if baby is over 3 months)
• Oral rehydration sachets (Dioralyte) — for vomiting/diarrhoea illness
• Digital thermometer
• Nasal saline drops or spray (for blocked noses — safe from newborn)

Optional but useful:

• Teething gel (limited evidence but contains anaesthetic; check ingredients — avoid gels containing lidocaine for very young babies)
• Vapour rubs (only those made for babies — not adult Vicks)

What NOT to give under 12 months

• Aspirin — never give aspirin to under-16s (risk of Reye's syndrome — extremely serious)
• Codeine — not suitable for children under 12
• Antihistamines for sedation — Piriton can be given from 1 year, but NEVER as a sleep aid (see below)
• Adult cold and flu remedies — contain multiple active ingredients in doses not safe for babies
• Decongestants (unless prescribed) — not recommended for under-6s
• Honey — for coughs and throats — not under 12 months (botulism risk)

Piriton (chlorphenamine)

Safe from 1 year for allergic reactions under pharmacist or GP guidance. Not a safe sleep remedy — sedation in babies can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Gripe water

Not evidence-based for colic or wind, but not harmful. Contains no active ingredient in the licensed formulation. Safe from 1 month. If it works for your baby, use it.

Teething gels

The evidence for teething gels is limited. If using:

• Choose products licensed for the appropriate age
• Avoid benzocaine-containing gels in the UK (most UK products use lidocaine — check and use sparingly)
• Teething rings, cold items, and pressure on the gum are equally or more effective

When medicine is not enough — call your GP or 111

• Baby under 3 months with any fever (38°C+) — always seek same-day advice
• Fever above 39°C in any baby that doesn't respond to medication
• Fever lasting more than 5 days
• Baby appears very unwell, lethargic, or difficult to wake
• Non-blanching rash alongside any of the above — call 999
• You're unsure what to give or worried about dosing — always ask your pharmacist first