A child's bones, muscles, and even skin grow so quickly that the growth sometimes seems to happen overnight. These rapid changes can be painful, which your child may feel especially at night in her legs. If your two-year-old complains that her legs hurt, try giving her a pain reliever to help her sleep and see how she feels in the morning. If her walking or posture then seems affected, call your pediatrician. But if she seems to feel better, then assume she is experiencing growing pains. This doesn't usually last more than two nights in a row.

When your child has a fever, is achy, has growing pains, or has a sore throat, she may benefit from a pain reliever. Information about the three main types of pain reliever follows.

Acetaminophen — Tylenol and similar medications are effective for reducing pain and can make your child more comfortable if she has a fever

Ibuprofen — Advil, Motrin, and other medications with ibuprofen reduce pain and discomfort from fever. Ibuprofen is also an anti-inflammatory and might help the discomfort associated with growing pains

Aspirin — Young children should never take aspirin or aspirin derivatives such as Excedrin.

Aspirin and aspirin derivatives can be harmful to a small child and can lead to Reyes syndrome, a severe neurological complication of chicken pox and the flu. This syndrome occurs when those illnesses are treated with aspirin. Because doctors often don't know what illness a child is coming down with, it is best to avoid giving aspirin for any of your child's illnesses.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for children are the same medications as those for adults but in lower doses. They are usually in liquid, gel, or soluble form since two-year-olds cannot swallow pills (and shouldn't be expected to). You can buy generic brands of these medications and be assured they are safe and effective. Never give your child adult versions of medications, because children can easily overdose or get sick from too much medication. Sometimes these medications will have a slight tranquilizing effect on your child. It is very important that you use pain relievers only when your child is uncomfortable and sick, not to help her sleep or relax. Pain medications can be overused and dangerous if directions are not followed.