How long after taking ibuprofen for a fever can a baby breastfeed?

Generally speaking, after a baby takes ibuprofen for fever, it is usually recommended to wait 30 to 120 minutes before breastfeeding. If there are any concerns, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

After a baby takes ibuprofen for fever, if the baby absorbs the medication well and experiences no significant discomfort, breastfeeding may generally be attempted after 30 to 60 minutes. Ibuprofen, a commonly used antipyretic for children, typically starts to take effect about 30 minutes after administration, helping to reduce the baby's body temperature. If the baby does not experience adverse reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea after taking the medication and the body temperature has decreased, feeding an appropriate amount of breast milk at this time can not only help the baby replenish energy but also promote further absorption and metabolism of the drug.

However, if the baby absorbs ibuprofen slowly or experiences gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, it may be necessary to wait longer—between 60 to 120 minutes—before attempting to breastfeed. In cases where the medication has not been fully absorbed or the baby has gastrointestinal discomfort, early breastfeeding may increase the burden on the baby's digestive system and could even lead to vomiting of the medication, affecting its efficacy. Additionally, if the baby experiences a severe allergic reaction after taking ibuprofen, such as rash or rapid breathing, immediate medical attention should be sought, and follow-up management should be conducted according to the doctor's instructions.

During the short-term cessation of breastfeeding, it is recommended that the mother use a breast pump to express milk in order to prevent excessive milk accumulation that could lead to mastitis.