Ibuprofen for children: dose, timing, and when not to give it
Ibuprofen is the other big bottle in the UK chemist's children's aisle. Sold as Nurofen for Children, Calprofen, or a supermarket own-brand, it's a different drug to paracetamol with its own rules. Different doses, different intervals, and a handful of situations where you shouldn't give it at all.
This is the practical guide, taken from the current UK product labels and cross-checked against the NHS.
The quick answer
- Nurofen for Children (100mg/5ml) is licensed from 3 months and over 5kg, up to 9 years on the standard bottle.
- Dose by age: 2.5ml (3 mo – 1 yr), 5ml (1 – 3 yr), 7.5ml (4 – 6 yr), 10ml (7 – 9 yr).
- Every 6 to 8 hours, max 3 doses in 24 hours (4 for babies 6 – 12 months). Always with food.
Ibuprofen dose chart (3 months – 9 years)
This is the standard UK children's ibuprofen — typically sold as Nurofen for Children or Calprofen, 100mg per 5ml.
| Age | Single dose | Max in 24h | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–6 months | 2.5ml | 3 | Only if baby weighs over 5kg. Don't use for more than 24 hours — see a doctor if symptoms persist. |
| 6–12 months | 2.5ml | 3–4 | |
| 1–3 years | 5ml | 3 | |
| 4–6 years | 7.5ml (5ml + 2.5ml) | 3 | |
| 7–9 years | 10ml (5ml + 5ml) | 3 |
The recommended gap between doses is 6 to 8 hours. The absolute minimum is 4 hours. The 4-hour floor matters for parents alternating with paracetamol — see our guide to giving Calpol and Ibuprofen together.
The food rule
Always give ibuprofen with or after food. A small snack is enough — milk for babies, a biscuit or piece of toast for toddlers, half a sandwich for older kids. Ibuprofen on an empty stomach can cause:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- In rare cases with long-term use, stomach ulcers
If your child has just vomited, wait until they've kept fluids down before giving ibuprofen. If they vomit within 30 minutes of a dose, you can probably re-dose — but if it keeps happening, switch to paracetamol or call a pharmacist.
When you shouldn't give ibuprofen
Ibuprofen isn't right for every child or every illness. Skip it if any of these apply:
- Asthma — unless your child's doctor has said it's fine for them. Some asthmatic children react badly to ibuprofen.
- Chickenpox — there's an association with serious skin infections when given during chickenpox. Use paracetamol instead.
- Dehydration — including from a stomach bug or hot weather. Ibuprofen is harder on the kidneys when fluid intake is low.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea — same reason.
- Known sensitivity to NSAIDs — ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen are all in the same family.
- Babies under 3 months — never. Speak to a doctor for any fever in this age group.
- Babies under 5kg — even if 3+ months old.
If any of those apply, paracetamol is usually fine — see our Calpol dose by age guide.
When ibuprofen helps more than paracetamol
The two drugs do similar but not identical things. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory; paracetamol isn't. So ibuprofen tends to work better for:
- Teething pain — there's an inflammation component the paracetamol can't reach. See our guide on teething pain relief.
- Sore throats and earache — both involve inflammation.
- Bumps, sprains, swelling — minor injuries.
- Stubborn fevers — particularly when paracetamol alone hasn't taken the edge off.
For straight fever, both work roughly as well. Pick the one that fits your child's situation — if they've eaten recently and have no asthma, ibuprofen is fine. If they haven't eaten, paracetamol is easier.
Common mistakes parents make
- Using the wrong measuring device. A teaspoon isn't 5ml — and ibuprofen comes in different strengths. Always use the syringe or cup that came with that bottle.
- Forgetting the 24-hour window starts at the first dose. The max is 3 in 24 hours, not 3 per calendar day. Track from when you actually gave the first dose.
- Mixing up infant and adult ibuprofen. Adult ibuprofen tablets are 200mg or 400mg each — far too concentrated for a child. Always use the children's liquid for under-12s.
- Doubling up on ibuprofen products. Cold-and-flu sachets often contain ibuprofen. Don't give a sachet plus a separate spoonful of Nurofen — you'd be double-dosing.
Frequently asked questions
How much ibuprofen can I give my 2 year old?
A 2 year old can have 5ml of Nurofen for Children (100mg/5ml) up to 3 times in 24 hours, every 6 to 8 hours. Always with food.
How much ibuprofen for a 1 year old?
A 1 year old can have 2.5ml or 5ml depending on weight, up to 3–4 times in 24 hours. The 6–12 month band uses 2.5ml; from 12 months you can move up to 5ml. If your child is small for their age, ask a pharmacist.
How much ibuprofen for a 7 year old?
A 7 year old can have 10ml (delivered as 5ml + 5ml) of Nurofen for Children, up to 3 times in 24 hours. From age 9 or 10, depending on the product, parents often switch to a stronger ibuprofen or tablets.
Can I give ibuprofen to a 3-month-old baby?
Yes, if the baby weighs over 5kg. The dose is 2.5ml, up to 3 times in 24 hours. Don't use it for more than 24 hours in this age group without speaking to a doctor.
How often can I give ibuprofen?
Every 6 to 8 hours, with a minimum of 4 hours between doses. Maximum 3 doses in 24 hours for most ages (4 for babies 6–12 months).
Can I give ibuprofen with Calpol?
Sometimes — usually only on medical advice. The two drugs can be alternated when one alone isn't enough, but the rules matter. See our full guide on giving Calpol and Ibuprofen together.
What if I give too much ibuprofen?
Call NHS 111 or your GP immediately. Ibuprofen overdose can affect the stomach and kidneys. Bring the bottle with you to any consultation.
How long does ibuprofen take to work?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes for noticeable effect, peak at about 1 to 2 hours. The fever-reducing and pain-relieving effects typically last 6 to 8 hours, which is why the dosing interval matches.
How Dosey helps
Ibuprofen's 6–8 hour window is easy to forget when you're up at 3am. Dosey tracks every dose and tells you exactly when the next is available — separately for paracetamol and ibuprofen, so if you're alternating, you can see both timelines side by side. Free for one child, £6.99 one-time for the whole household.
This isn't medical advice. Dosey is a record-keeping tool, not a clinic. The dosing instructions on your specific bottle, and your GP or pharmacist, are the source of truth. If you're worried about your child, call NHS 111 (free) or your GP.