← Ask your own question

Can I give my baby Tylenol when teeth are coming in?

Yes. Canadian and international pediatric guidelines say an occasional dose of acetaminophen is a safe way to ease teething pain in babies, as long as you dose by weight and follow label limits.

Guidelines also agree that true teething should not cause fever, diarrhea, or prolonged crying, so those symptoms need a doctor's look rather than more acetaminophen.

Strength of evidence

Good

This is based on consistent recommendations from Canadian (CPS, SickKids, Health Canada) and American (AAP) pediatric guidelines, not from a randomized trial testing acetaminophen specifically for teething pain.

What the evidence says

Yes, you can give your baby acetaminophen, the medicine in Tylenol, when their teeth are coming in. Canadian children's hospitals and the Canadian Paediatric Society say acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to treat a baby's teething pain, alongside simple things like a cold washcloth or a firm rubber teething ring to chew on.

The most important thing is giving the right amount. Health Canada bases the correct dose on your baby's weight, and infant acetaminophen usually comes in a concentration of 80 mg per 1 mL. Giving too much, or giving it along with another product that also contains acetaminophen, can seriously harm your baby's liver, so always measure carefully with the dosing syringe provided and check with your pharmacist if you're unsure.

A good rule to remember: teething itself does not cause fever, diarrhea, or nonstop crying. If your baby has these symptoms, something else may be going on, and it's time to call your doctor rather than just giving more medicine.

A few things to avoid: numbing gels with benzocaine or lidocaine rubbed on the gums, and homeopathic teething tablets. Health and safety agencies warn these can cause rare but serious harm, including a blood condition called methemoglobinemia that affects how blood carries oxygen. Teething necklaces are also discouraged because of choking and strangling risks.

If your baby is younger than 6 months, or you're unsure about dosing, it's best to check with your doctor or pharmacist first before giving any medicine.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked September 2, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

Report a problem with this answer

Related questions

Have a different question? Founded Parent searches published paediatric guidelines and peer-reviewed research, then tells you how strong the evidence actually is.

Ask a question

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so its answers may not apply to you. Never delay or disregard advice from a qualified health professional because of something you read here. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.