Can you give babies and toddlers Benadryl?

For many, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is one of those over-the-counter medications that is always kept on hand. The popular antihistamine is primarily used for allergy symptoms: It can relieve itchy eyes, itchy skin or hives, runny nose, and sneezing. It’s also indicated for cold symptoms, like congestion and sinus pressure; used as a sleep aid because of its sedative properties; and can help quell nausea and vomiting because it’s an antiemetic. It’s no wonder that it’s a go-to for many. But what about the little ones in your household?

It’s important to have all the facts before giving your sick or itchy infant Benadryl—it’s indicated for some uses, and dangerous for others. If you’ve ever wondered if Benadryl is appropriate for babies, read on to learn about safety information for children, including dosage guidelines and side effects. 

Can babies have Benadryl?

Babies can have Benadryl, but it should only be given under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Just because there is a line of brand name Children’s Benadryl products—and Benadryl use in kids is a common practice—doesn’t mean all children can or should take the medication. Children younger than two years old, in particular, are at risk for serious side effects and reactions. 

“More than 15 years ago, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified multiple reports of adverse events and death in children who used over-the-counter cough and cold products, and these risks were found to be greatest in children less than 2 years of age,” says Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a medical toxicologist based in Washington, DC. “Although the FDA recommends that parents and caregivers not administer decongestant or antihistamine drugs to children under the age of 2, these drugs can be given to young children in hospitals and other healthcare settings to treat allergic reactions.” 

“The general guideline for giving Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to a child is that it is typically safe for children aged 2 and older—however, it’s essential to consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider for specific dosing recommendations for your child,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “Once evaluated, the pediatrician might recommend Benadryl for children younger than 2, even as early as 6 months old.” 

Unlike adult Benadryl—and contrary to popular belief—Children’s Benadryl should never be used as a sleep aid for kids of any age—especially before traveling. In fact, for some children, Benadryl may produce the opposite response and make them more active.

Benadryl dosage for babies and toddlers

For children younger than 2, Dr. Ganjian says current Benadryl dosing recommendations are based on the child’s weight and their medical history—both of which your healthcare provider will consider before advising you to administer Benadryl.

While the adult dosage of Benadryl depends on the strength of the medication, weight is the main marker for Children’s Benadryl dosage, so it’s essential that you have an accurate weight of your child.  

If your healthcare provider gives you the go-ahead to give your child Benadryl, make sure to follow the instructions or the package directions exactly.

“Different children’s formulations of Benadryl have different dosing instructions and may not be appropriate for all age groups,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. ”When dosing children’s Benadryl, always use the dosing cup or device included in the package.” Using other tools, such as a kitchen spoon, could result in inaccurate measurements or product overdose.

While it may be tempting to use whatever you have on hand, never use adult Benadryl with kids. “Children should only receive formulations of Benadryl that are specific for their age group,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. 

The dosing chart below is for reference only; you should speak with your child’s pediatrician for additional information before administering any allergy medicine.

Source: St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Risks of Benadryl for infants and children 

While your pediatrician may recommend or administer Benadryl for your infant or child, there are myriad reasons you shouldn’t give your child the medication without that official guidance.  

“Because of their small size, young children are more susceptible to developing serious side effects after taking Benadryl,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. Side effects for Children’s Benadryl include:

• Allergic reaction
• Excessive drowsiness
• Excitability 
• Dystonia (a serious life threatening condition)

Allergic reactions to Benadryl can be deadly. If your child displays any of these signs after taking diphenhydramine, discontinue use immediately and seek emergency medical attention:

• Hives
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Rapid or weak heartbeat
• Drop in blood pressure
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Be aware of dangerous interactions between Benadryl and other medications, including other allergy medications. (In fact, you shouldn’t give your baby both oral and topical Benadryl at the same time.) If you are giving your child any other cold or other allergy medication, especially combination formulas, check the labels and discuss with your child’s healthcare provider to avoid interactions. Always give your healthcare provider your child’s complete health history and list of medications, vitamins, and supplements to avoid interactions. Also, never give your child a medication that is prescribed to someone else.

The bottom line: Is Benadryl safe for infants?

While Benadryl may be a handy drug for adults to keep in the medicine cabinet, Benadryl for babies and toddlers is an entirely different story. “Antihistamines and decongestants found in over-the-counter cough and cold medications have not been proven as safe or effective in children less than 6 years of age,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. 

While Benadryl can be safe for some children between ages 6 months and 2 years old under the care of a healthcare provider, it’s not usually the best course of treatment for cold symptoms or seasonal allergies. Ultimately, you should always discuss the potential risks of any medication with a healthcare provider before giving it to a child.