Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen for Babies | Safe Fever & Pain Relief

Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen: Safe Pain Relief for Babies and Children

When your child is sick, teething, or has a fever, it’s natural to wonder which medication is best: paracetamol or ibuprofen. Both are safe and effective when used correctly, but they work in different ways and suit different situations.

In this guide, we’ll break down when to use paracetamol vs ibuprofen for babies and children, how they work, and the safety tips every parent should know.

Paracetamol for Babies and Children

(Panadol, Dymadon, Panamax)

• Age: Suitable from 1 month of age.

• Dose: 15mg/kg, every 4–6 hours. Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. (Always check the instructions on the packet, as strengths vary by brand.)

• How it works: Paracetamol blocks pain messengers (prostaglandins) in the brain, reducing both pain and fever.

• Metabolised by: Liver.

• Best for:

  • Fever relief

  • General pain (non-inflammatory)

  • Gentle on sensitive tummies

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Ibuprofen for Babies and Children

(Nurofen, Brufen, Advil, Dimetapp)

• Age: Suitable from 3 months of age.

• Dose: 10mg/kg, every 6–8 hours. Maximum 3 doses in 24 hours.

• How it works: Ibuprofen reduces prostaglandins throughout the whole body, making it both an anti-inflammatoryand a pain reliever.

• Metabolised by: Kidneys.

• Best for:

  • Inflammation (e.g., teething, tonsillitis, ear infections, sprains, injuries)

  • Fever

  • Pain with swelling or redness

• ⚠️ Should be given with food or milk (though a one-off dose is fine on an empty stomach).

Can You Give Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Together?

Yes — because they work differently in the body, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given together if needed.

👉 Tips for safe use:

• Always write down the time and medicine given (especially at 3am with a sick baby!).

• Do not exceed recommended doses.

• If your child needs medication for more than 48 hours, see your GP.

Pain Relief: Which Is Better?

• Head injury: Use paracetamol only unless a doctor advises otherwise.

• Teething or inflammatory pain: Ibuprofen is often more effective because it targets inflammation as well as pain.

• Mouth ulcers / poor appetite: Paracetamol is gentler on the stomach, especially if your child isn’t eating well.

Both medicines work well, and in some cases alternating or combining them can provide extra relief.

Fever in Children: Paracetamol or Ibuprofen?

Both medications reduce fever effectively.

💡 Key points:

• No need to combine or alternate — choose one to avoid confusion and risk of overdose.

• Only give medicine if your child is uncomfortable or irritable.

• Treating fever does not prevent febrile convulsions.

Inflammation in Children

When swelling or inflammation is present, ibuprofen is generally the better choice. This includes:

• Injuries (sprains, bumps, inflammation after a fall)

• Teething

• Infections such as tonsillitis or ear infections (if advised by your doctor)

Conclusion

Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe and effective for babies and children when used correctly. The best choice depends on your child’s age, symptoms, and whether inflammation is present.

Always follow dosage instructions on the medicine packaging, and consult your GP if your child needs ongoing pain relief or has a health condition.

For more confidence in handling childhood illnesses, consider attending a baby first aid course in Melbourne with Bump to Bub — where you’ll also learn how to safely manage fevers, pain, and medical emergencies.

FAQs: Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen for Babies

1. Can I give paracetamol and ibuprofen together to my baby?Yes. Because they work differently, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given together or alternated if needed. Always record what you gave and when to avoid confusion, and never exceed recommended doses.

2. Which is better for teething pain — paracetamol or ibuprofen?Ibuprofen is often more effective for teething because it reduces both pain and inflammation. However, paracetamol is a good option if your child has a sensitive tummy or isn’t eating well.

3. At what age can babies have ibuprofen?Ibuprofen can be given from 3 months of age (if your baby weighs at least 5kg). Paracetamol can be given from 1 month of age.

4. Should I always give medicine for a fever?No. You only need to give medicine if your child is uncomfortable or irritable. Treating a fever won’t prevent febrile convulsions.