Is Benadryl Safe for Young Kids?
Can I Give Benadryl to My 3-Year-Old?: Allergy Relief for Ontario Parents
Yes, you can give Benadryl to your 3-year-old, but there are important things to know first. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is safe for children over 2 years old when used correctly, but it's not always the best first choice for allergies.
How it works
Benadryl blocks histamine, the chemical that causes allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives. It works quickly, usually within 30 minutes, but makes most children drowsy for 4 to 6 hours.
For a 3-year-old weighing 25 to 37 pounds, the typical dose is 6.25 ml (1¼ teaspoons) of children's liquid Benadryl every 6 hours. Always check the package for your child's exact weight and never exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
What you'll need
- Children's liquid Benadryl (not adult tablets)
- Measuring spoon or syringe (not a kitchen spoon)
- Your child's current weight
- The package instructions
Better options to try first
Before reaching for Benadryl, consider these gentler approaches. For mild allergies, children's Claritin or Reactine cause less drowsiness and work longer (24 hours). Saline nose rinses can flush out allergens naturally, and keeping windows closed during high pollen days helps prevent symptoms.
If your child has food allergies or severe reactions, talk to your doctor about which antihistamine to keep on hand. Some children need specific medications or doses.
Common questions
Will Benadryl make my child hyper instead of sleepy? About 10% of children get energized rather than drowsy from Benadryl. If this happens, it's still safe but probably not helpful for bedtime allergies.
Can I give Benadryl with other medications? Check with a pharmacist or healthcare provider first. Benadryl can interact with some medications, and you don't want to double up on antihistamines accidentally.
How long can I give it? For ongoing allergies, daily non-drowsy antihistamines work better than repeated Benadryl doses. Use Benadryl for sudden reactions or when you need quick relief.
The takeaway
Benadryl is safe for your 3-year-old when used properly, but it might not be your best everyday option. Trust your instincts about what works for your child.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Caring for Kids: Allergies](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/allergies)
- [AboutKidsHealth: Antihistamines](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=77&language=english)
- [Ontario.ca: Managing Allergies](https://ontario.ca/page/allergies)