At 6 months old, your baby can safely take a small number of over-the-counter medicines, primarily acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and fever, and now ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as well. Beyond those two, the list is short: simethicone gas drops and saline nasal drops are the other main options. Most cold, cough, and allergy medicines are off-limits until at least age 4.
Acetaminophen for Pain and Fever
Acetaminophen is the go-to medicine for babies under 6 months and remains a staple after that milestone. It reduces fever and relieves pain from teething, earaches, and vaccinations. Infant liquid acetaminophen comes in a standard concentration of 160 mg per 5 mL, and dosing is based on your baby’s weight, not age.
For reference, a baby weighing 12 to 17 pounds gets 2.5 mL, while one weighing 18 to 23 pounds gets 3.75 mL. You can give a dose every 4 to 6 hours as needed, but no more than 5 doses in 24 hours. Always use the syringe that comes in the box rather than a kitchen spoon. Research has found that parents who measure with household spoons make dosing errors at twice the rate of those who use a milliliter-marked syringe.
Ibuprofen Starting at 6 Months
Six months is the age when ibuprofen becomes an option. It works differently from acetaminophen: in addition to lowering fever, it reduces inflammation, which can make it more effective for things like ear infections or swollen gums. A baby weighing 12 to 17 pounds gets 50 mg per dose, which is 2.5 mL of the standard children’s liquid (100 mg per 5 mL) or 1.25 mL of the more concentrated infant drops (50 mg per 1.25 mL).
Ibuprofen can be given every 6 to 8 hours, up to 3 times a day. It should be given with food or milk to reduce the chance of stomach upset. One important note: never give both acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time, but some pediatricians recommend alternating them for stubborn fevers. Check with your baby’s doctor before doing this on your own.
Simethicone for Gas
If your baby is fussy and gassy, simethicone drops (sold as Mylicon or Little Remedies Gas Drops) are safe to use. Simethicone works by breaking up gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines so they’re easier to pass. The typical dose is 20 mg, up to four times a day, and it’s safe to use daily. The most common side effect is occasional loose stools, but that’s uncommon.
When choosing a brand, check the ingredient list and avoid any product that contains sodium benzoate or benzoic acid. These preservatives can be harmful to babies in large quantities.
Saline Drops for Congestion
When your 6-month-old has a stuffy nose, saline nasal drops are the safest and most effective option. They contain nothing but salt water, which thins mucus so it’s easier to suction out with a bulb syringe or a NoseFrida. Place two or three drops in each nostril, wait a moment, then gently suction.
Never use medicated nasal sprays or drops that contain decongestants on a baby. Stick to plain saline only.
Skin Creams and Ointments
For diaper rash, zinc oxide barrier creams (like Desitin or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste) are safe and effective at any age. Apply a thick layer at each diaper change until the rash clears.
For eczema or other inflamed skin patches, mild hydrocortisone cream (1%) is sometimes used on babies, but children under 10 should only use it on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. It’s a low-strength steroid that reduces redness and swelling, but it shouldn’t be applied to large areas of skin or used for extended periods on a baby without guidance.
Medicines to Avoid Completely
The list of what your baby cannot take is much longer than what they can. These are the most important ones to know:
- Cough and cold medicines. The FDA warns that children under 2 should never receive any product containing a decongestant or antihistamine, as serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur. Manufacturers voluntarily pulled infant cough and cold products from shelves and relabeled remaining products to say “do not use in children under 4 years of age.”
- Aspirin. Never give aspirin to a baby or child. It’s linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition that damages the brain and liver. In the U.S., the FDA recommends avoiding aspirin in anyone under 19 during episodes of fever. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen cover the same needs without this risk.
- Honey and honey-based remedies. Honey of any kind is off-limits until 12 months. It can contain spores that cause infant botulism, a severe form of food poisoning. This includes honey in pacifier coatings, cough syrups, or mixed into food and water.
How to Give Medicine Safely
Always dose by your baby’s current weight, not their age. Age ranges on packaging are rough estimates, and two 6-month-olds can differ by several pounds. If you’re unsure of the right dose, call your pediatrician’s office. Most have a nurse line that can look it up in seconds.
Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. If the box includes a syringe marked in milliliters, use that. Nearly 40% of parents make errors when measuring liquid doses, and kitchen spoons are the biggest culprit. Aim the syringe toward the inside of your baby’s cheek and dispense slowly so they don’t gag or spit it out.
Fever Thresholds at 6 Months
Not every fever needs medicine. A low-grade temperature often means your baby’s immune system is doing its job. But knowing when to act matters. For a baby 6 to 24 months old, a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) that lasts more than one day warrants a call to the doctor. If the fever is accompanied by unusual irritability, poor feeding, a rash, or difficulty breathing, call sooner regardless of how long the fever has lasted.
A rectal thermometer gives the most accurate reading in babies this age. Forehead and ear thermometers are convenient but can be less reliable in infants.