Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen can be safely used during a baby’s first year of life, according to a new study that offers reassurance to parents and healthcare professionals.
Research published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found no link between these commonly used painkillers and conditions such as eczema, asthma, or other respiratory problems in infants. The large-scale study followed around 4,000 babies in New Zealand, making it one of the most comprehensive investigations into infant pain relief.
Nearly half of the infants were given acetaminophen, while the remaining babies received ibuprofen when treatment was needed for fever or pain. Scientists observed that health outcomes were almost identical in both groups. Eczema developed in about 16% of babies given acetaminophen and 15% of those given ibuprofen. Similarly, respiratory issues like bronchiolitis or wheezing affected roughly 15% of infants in each group.
Importantly, adverse effects were rare, and none were directly linked to either medication. Senior researcher Stuart Dalziel of the University of Auckland emphasized that early wheezing does not necessarily mean asthma later in life. He noted that many children who wheeze at age three do not go on to develop asthma by age six.
“These findings give parents and health professionals strong confidence to continue using these important medicines,” Dalziel said.
Researchers plan to continue tracking the children until they reach six years of age to assess any long-term effects, including potential links to asthma, autism, or ADHD.
