FAIRVIEW · PARENT RESOURCES
Simple answers to everyday medicine questions. Ask our pharmacy team for help understanding your child's medicine label.
Clinically reviewed by Mike Acheampong, PharmD, MPH · September 24, 2026
Call 911 for immediate danger. For a possible poisoning or accidental dose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
General education, not individual dosing instructions. Your child's age, weight, health and specific product matter.
FDA does not recommend OTC cough/cold medicines under age 2; manufacturers label these products not for children under 4. Do not use an adult product for a child. Check the exact package and ask your child's clinician before treating a young child.
Source: FDA
Saline nose drops or spray and a cool-mist humidifier are options. Gentle nasal suction may help infants. Trouble breathing needs medical attention, not another cold product.
Source: FDA
For a baby 3 months old or younger, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs an immediate call to the pediatrician. Do not delay that call while trying a fever medicine.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Do not give ibuprofen under 6 months unless your child's doctor directs you.
Source: AAP parent medicine guide
Use the measuring device provided for that product, not a kitchen spoon or another medicine's cup. Ask the pharmacist to show you the correct measurement if the label is unclear.
Source: FDA
Yes. Check the active ingredients on both Drug Facts labels. A combination cold medicine may already contain acetaminophen; adding another acetaminophen product can cause an overdose.
Source: FDA
Do not give honey before 12 months of age because of infant botulism risk.
Source: CDC
Do not use diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to make a child sleep. Too much can cause serious harm.
Source: Poison Control
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 promptly; have the container with you. Do not wait for symptoms. If the child collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or cannot be awakened, call 911.
Source: Poison Control
Bring the actual package, your child's age and current weight, other medicines, allergies, and a record of anything already given and when. We can help you understand the label and identify questions for your pediatrician. A website cannot determine the right dose for every child.
Children's allergy medicine: what to check before choosing →
FDA guidance on cough and cold products for children.
Read guidance (new tab) →AAPAAP guidance for parents about fever and babies.
Read guidance (new tab) →AAPAAP medication-safety guidance for selecting and measuring children's OTC medicines.
Read guidance (new tab) →AAPAAP overview of allergy causes and parent questions.
Read guidance (new tab) →CDCCDC food and drink guidance for infants and toddlers.
Read guidance (new tab) →Poison ControlPoison Control's immediate help and contact options.
Read guidance (new tab) →
