Alternative to Infant Tylenol?

Updated on January 29, 2013
M.W. asks from Bayville, NY
23 answers

Hi Moms,
I was wondering if there ia an alternative to infant Tylenol. I am so turned off by the dye and chemicals listed in it. But then I know I should have it on hand for my baby in case of fever. So I did purchase one. I also have the childrens dye free tylenol. That also is loaded with a bunch of stuff. At least no dye. Would you use the childrens tylenol for an 8 month old infant and just lower the dose to what the pediatrician reccomends. And is there an alternative to tylenol for baby?
Thank you

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A.F.

answers from New York on

We use Motrin because it lasts longer so you don't have to give it as often. we also found it works better. I'm assuming it has lots of the same "stuff" in it you are talking about but at least you dont have to give it as often.

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D.D.

answers from New York on

i also use motrin for my kids who are 1 and 2 years of age. I've been using tylenol and motrin since they were born, because I hate when they suffer through fevers. If all else fails and you need some parental laughter visit-http://momw2.wordpress.com/

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L.C.

answers from San Francisco on

When my children were babies I used many infant care options in books by the renowned herbalist, Susan Weed. Peppermint tea given to an infant can help to bring cooling. She also recommends soaking baby's feet in apple cider vinegar then covering the feet with wool socks. I was skeptical but tried it with my daughter and her fever dropped immediately. I was amazed. Modern medicine has it's place, but there is much wisdom to be found in the natural solutions that were around before our chemical pharmacies. I also sought the advice from a pediatrician who was also certified in homeopathy. I gave homeopathic remedies to both children as infants and found these to be very helpful (without any risky ingredients/side effects).

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R.E.

answers from New York on

we only use 1/2 does if needed if fever is over 104 degrees.
a fever is the body's way of fighting off infection

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.

answers from New York on

First you can not just give an infant dosage size of childs tylenol, the mg/ml in active ingredients are different. So either you'd over or under medicate your child. And since I don't have the packaging in front of me, and I can't work out the calculations I can't tell you which is which. Second, the childs tylenol has the same dyes and stuff as the infant ones.

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S.H.

answers from New York on

Infant Tylenol, in the dose recommended by your pediatrician is what works best for pyrexia, or fever.
Speak to your pediatrician regarding infant Motrin as an alternative.
Do not use children's Tylenol for an infant.

Sometimes, chemicals are needed in the case of fevers or sickness. That doesn't mean that they are bad.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from New York on

I am interested in a good alternative too. I have not done the research to find one, but my interest is because it can cause elevations of liver enzymes in the blood suggesting injury to the liver.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Albany on

I have always wondered if there was anything alternatives to tylenol. I didn't know if there was. Usually, pediatricians would say you can use tylenol for fevers, but you don't need to, keeping your baby hydrated is very, very important. I occasionally used it because they seem soooo uncomfortable and try to ease the feeling for them. I hated seeing them so uncomfortable because they are hot and feel miserable. If it's too high, that is when you call the dr and/or take the child to the ER. Congrats to you and hope your baby feels better! I will be praying for him!

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K.D.

answers from Dallas on

There is also infant motrin/ibuprofen which is pretty much interchangable.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.T.

answers from New York on

I once found either an ibuprofin or a motrin that was dye free, and it was in a regular drugstore too. I don't remember the brand, but you might check out your drugstore and ask your pharmacist.

S.M.

answers from New York on

Hi M.,

I know it can be scary giving medicine to a baby or small child. It always made me nervous. You have to weigh the risk vs benefits

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L.H.

answers from New York on

Hi M.,
I don't give my daughter any dyes/food coloring either. Thankfully, Tylenol has come out w/ a new dye free one. Also, there is dye free Children's Benadryl also. They're both right next to the regular ones at the store. I found mine at Target.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.F.

answers from Buffalo on

I'm with you. I am currently looking for an alternative for Tylenol. Among all the ingredients that I could not pronounce one caught my eye propylene glycol. I work for an airline and this is the stuff we de-ice airplanes with. I refuse to give my Kids this garbage.

N.T.

answers from New York on

Hello M.:

There are a number of natural wellness alternatives you can give your baby without any harmful immediate or long-term side effects. It depends on what ailments or health challenges you want to address. For example, you can apply an Aromatherapy blend (oils extracted from plant/plants parts) on baby's stomach to soothe tummy aches or add drops of Flower Essences (ingredients extracted from Flowers) to baby's bottle or bath water to calm emotional upsets.

Let me know if this interests you and we can discuss me creating a natural wellness medicine cabinet for your baby.

I applaud your decision to give your baby safe, healthy alternatives!

My best,
N.
Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
www.wholecreations.com/wombfull.html
###-###-####

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J.D.

answers from New York on

I understand your concern over dyes and chemicals but is there an alternative, I do not think so, other than other over the counter medicines that probably have much of the same ingredients. If you are concerned look into homepathic alternatives for pain and fever. There is dye free infants tylenol and I would strongly suggest you follow the directions on the bottle if you are going to use it. I absolutely would not give my baby something that is meant for children - they are manufactured differently for a reason and so just changing the dosage is not adequate. I don't remember the age difference betweent he infants and the childrens but as I've said, I absolutley would not give my infant something manufactured for children. Especially because that is much of the reason why the drug companies have pulled products off the shelf and why there are so many issues these days, because people weren't following the directions and using them properly and there were several problems. I had no problem giving my baby tylenol. I use it myself when I am not feeling well and if its used properly I think its fine!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.S.

answers from New York on

I'm pretty sure there is an Infants dye free kind, too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from New York on

"Paracetamol" is a better alternative. It's safer and doesn't have as much additives.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from New York on

From what I understand (and I may be wrong), infant motrin is the exact same as children's motrin--it's just that they need a larger dose when they are older, so the children's bottle is bigger. So maybe Tylenol is the same? I would look into that--check with your ped.

I also hate giving meds--I use homeopathics when I can, but sometimes I feel they aren't as effective, fast-acting or long lasting. And with a toddler and a baby who often both wake me during the night, I need my sleep! That probably sounds awful, but I have used tylenol for teething lately. I do know my ped doesn't want me to, and he also prefers tylenol over motrin.

Good luck.

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M.V.

answers from New York on

I would not lower the dose - it will not work then. The dose is higher anyway if the fever is over 102.5. Research homeopathic/home remedies on the web and discuss them with your doctor. Also discuss at which point fever becomes dangerous, not simply inconvenient for you and uncomfortable for the baby. Fever is a SYMPTOM of something wrong, and a sign that the body is fighting something; it is not bad in itself, unless dangerously high or lasting for more then a few days.
Depending on the circumstances, I would give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to give baby some relief. Ibuprofen is also laced with additives.

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M.T.

answers from Houston on

I didn't want to use it either. So far I've made it without. My pediatrician says as long as it's not over 102 or so I don't need it. As long as the baby is well hydrated. Another idea I had is taking Tylenol myself and passing it to her via breastmilk. I haven't tried it thou.

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C.O.

answers from New York on

Probably not the answer you want to hear, but I too am always concerned about preservatives and chemicals in the things my kids consume. But I always make the decision to give or not to give based on cost/ benefit. It is my personal opinion that if your child has a fever and you can help make him more comfortable and lower the fever, and the dose is less than a mL, comparitively the benefit outweighs the cost. Perhaps consider getting out the package and googling the different chemicals. You might learn about what they do, if they are derived from plants or are synthetic, etc. Perhaps that could make you feel more comfortable about knowing what you are giving.

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S.G.

answers from New York on

There is dye free Infant Tylenol and Motrin. You should only give an infant medicine made for an infant. The doses are based on weight and the concentrations are totally different. Too much Tylenol is very dangerous.

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R.L.

answers from New York on

There is a dye free infant tylenol. That's what I have on hand for my daughter. My pediatrician just upgraded my 22 month old son from infant to children's. Why would you even consider giving an 8 month old children' formula when it could damage the little liver and increase the chance of overdose? Infant tylenol I think is recommended by most all pediatricians. It must be for a reason.

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