Ibuprofen (sold as Motrin or Advil) is an effective fever reducer and pain reliever for children — but it has important age restrictions and different dosing than acetaminophen. This guide covers weight-based dosing following standard pediatric guidelines.
Quick answer: Ibuprofen is dosed at 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight, given every 6-8 hours as needed, with a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours. It should not be given to infants under 6 months old.
Use our free dosage calculator for your child’s specific weight.
Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) Dosage Chart
| Weight | Age (approx.) | Dose | Infant Drops (50mg/1.25mL) | Children’s Liquid (100mg/5mL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 lbs | 6-11 months | 50 mg | 1.25 mL | — |
| 18-23 lbs | 12-23 months | 75 mg | 1.875 mL | 3.75 mL |
| 24-35 lbs | 2-3 years | 100 mg | — | 5 mL |
| 36-47 lbs | 4-5 years | 150 mg | — | 7.5 mL |
| 48-59 lbs | 6-8 years | 200 mg | — | 10 mL |
| 60-71 lbs | 9-10 years | 250 mg | — | 12.5 mL |
| 72-95 lbs | 11-12 years | 300 mg | — | 15 mL |
Quick Weight Lookup: Exact Motrin Doses
Here are the most commonly searched weights with exact mL amounts for children’s liquid ibuprofen (100 mg/5 mL):
| Weight | Dose (mg) | Children’s Liquid (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 22 lbs (10 kg) | 75 mg | 3.75 mL |
| 25 lbs (11.3 kg) | 100 mg | 5 mL |
| 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | 100 mg | 5 mL |
| 30 lbs (13.6 kg) | 100 mg | 5 mL |
| 32 lbs (14.5 kg) | 100 mg | 5 mL |
| 35 lbs (15.9 kg) | 150 mg | 7.5 mL |
For a 1-year-old around 22 lbs, see our dedicated guide on ibuprofen dosing for a 1-year-old at 22 pounds. For precise calculations, use our dosage calculator.
Critical Safety Rules
- Do NOT give to infants under 6 months — their kidneys cannot process ibuprofen safely
- Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours (fewer than acetaminophen)
- Wait at least 6 hours between doses
- Give with food when possible to reduce stomach irritation
- Avoid if your child is dehydrated — ibuprofen can stress the kidneys when fluid intake is low
Ibuprofen vs. Acetaminophen: Key Differences
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Ibuprofen (Motrin) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | Birth (with doctor’s OK) | 6 months |
| Dosing interval | Every 4-6 hours | Every 6-8 hours |
| Max daily doses | 5 | 4 |
| Anti-inflammatory | No | Yes |
| Give with food? | Not required | Recommended |
For persistent fevers, many pediatricians recommend alternating between the two medications for more consistent fever control.
When Ibuprofen May Be Better
Ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties that acetaminophen lacks. It may be a better choice for:
- Ear infections — reduces inflammation around the eardrum
- Teething pain — addresses both pain and gum inflammation
- Sore throat — reduces swelling alongside pain
- Musculoskeletal pain — strains, sprains, growing pains
When to Avoid Ibuprofen
Do not give ibuprofen if your child:
- Is under 6 months old
- Has a known kidney condition
- Is significantly dehydrated (vomiting, not drinking)
- Has a bleeding disorder
- Is allergic to NSAIDs
Not sure which medication to use? TriageNest’s triage engine considers your child’s age, symptoms, and specific situation to recommend the most appropriate approach. Get started free.
Related Guides
- Ibuprofen Dose for a 1-Year-Old (22 Pounds) — Weight-specific dosing for younger toddlers
- Baby Fever Keeps Coming Back After Tylenol — When Tylenol alone is not enough
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Motrin dosage for a 2 year old?
A typical 2-year-old weighs 24-30 lbs. For a child in this range, the ibuprofen dose is 100 mg per dose — that’s 5 mL of children’s liquid Motrin (100 mg/5 mL). Give every 6-8 hours as needed with food, maximum 4 doses in 24 hours. Always dose by weight, not age.
How much Motrin for a 30 pound child?
A 30 lb child (about 13.6 kg) should receive 100 mg of ibuprofen per dose. That’s 5 mL of children’s liquid Motrin (100 mg/5 mL). Give every 6-8 hours with food, up to 4 doses in 24 hours. Use our dosage calculator for the most accurate amount.
Can I give Motrin to a baby under 6 months?
No. Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) should not be given to infants under 6 months old. Their kidneys are not mature enough to process the medication safely. For babies under 6 months with fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the only over-the-counter option — and for babies under 3 months, consult your pediatrician before giving any medication.
How much Motrin for a 25 lb toddler?
A 25 lb toddler (approximately 11.3 kg) would receive about 100 mg of ibuprofen per dose. That’s 5 mL of children’s liquid (100 mg/5 mL). Give every 6–8 hours as needed with food, maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
How often can I give my child Motrin?
Ibuprofen (Motrin) can be given every 6–8 hours as needed, with a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours. Always wait at least 6 hours between doses. Give with food when possible to reduce stomach irritation.
Is children’s Motrin the same as ibuprofen?
Yes. Motrin is a brand name for ibuprofen. Children’s Motrin, children’s Advil, and generic children’s ibuprofen all contain the same active ingredient. The key difference is concentration — always check the label (children’s liquid is typically 100 mg/5 mL, infant drops are 50 mg/1.25 mL).
This guide follows standard pediatric dosing practices. Always confirm with your pediatrician, especially for first-time use or if your child has any medical conditions.
