Dehydration can be a leading cause since our bodies need liquids to function properly. Without it, our energy can rapidly deplete. However, they still should be going to the bathroom about every four to six hours.
If you have noticed they have a dry diaper after this timeframe, consider that they may not have enough liquid to urinate. Also, keep an eye on their bowel movements.
This is also a sign that your baby might be dehydrated. One of those is a dry mouth. If their lips and mouth appear dry, then they may not have enough liquid to produce saliva. Also, take a look at their face and head.
At six-months-old, babies still have that soft spot on their head. Check to see whether it has sunken in or examine their eyes to see they have sunken in. These are signs doctors look out for when checking for dehydration. Of course, you always want to look out for more severe signs of dehydration. This includes obvious sunken eyes, fussiness with no relief, wrinkling or discoloration of the skin, and even cold hands and feet.
If any of these occur, Pedialyte may not work, and instead, you should contact or see a doctor immediately. Pedialyte is a great way to treat and prevent dehydration in your baby, but before you give them any dose, consider their weight range and go from there. ORS store brands are just as good as a brand name. You can buy ORS in liquid or powder form or as popsicles at most pharmacies without a prescription.
ORS should not be given as the only fluid for more than 6 hours. Do not dilute or mix an ORS with formula. Do not give teas or broths. These liquids do not have the right mix of electrolytes and can make diarrhea worse.
For babies younger than 12 months: Give breast milk, ORS or formula if tolerated. Do not stop breastfeeding. Do not dilute formula. Pedialyte is effective because it contains only a small amount of sugar glucose that is balanced with appropriate levels of minerals electrolytes.
Pedialyte is designed with this precise combination of sugars and electrolytes to promote fluid and electrolyte absorption. In general, common household beverages such as sports drinks, sodas, and juices are too high in sugar and too low in sodium—an important electrolyte that is lost during diarrhea and vomiting.
Why are sweeteners added to Pedialyte? Why not just add sugar to make it sweeter? Pedialyte contains the quantity and ratio of sugar glucose and minerals electrolytes recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
This precise balance of sugar and electrolytes makes Pedialyte effective in the management, treatment, and prevention of dehydration due to diarrhea with or without vomiting.
Without added sweeteners, Pedialyte is not sweet enough for many children to drink. Adding sugar to Pedialyte may make diarrhea worse by drawing water into the intestine, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Adding sweeteners makes Pedialyte taste good without the risks of adding sugar. When Pedialyte tastes good, children drink enough of it to maintain hydration and replace needed minerals when they have diarrhea and vomiting. How much Pedialyte should I give my child?
How often should I give my child Pedialyte? For infants under 1 year of age: Consult your doctor. For children 1 year and older: Begin with small frequent sips every 15 minutes, increasing serving size as tolerated. Continue for as long as diarrhea is present. To maintain proper hydration, 4—8 servings 32 to 64 fl oz of Pedialyte may be needed per day. Consult your doctor if vomiting, fever, or diarrhea continues beyond 24 hours or if consumption needs are greater than 2 liters 64 fl oz per day.
Healthy newborns and infants are generally able to drink sufficient amounts of breastmilk or formula to remain hydrated. Once weaned, toddlers and preschoolers stay hydrated by drinking a variety of fluids like water, milk, juice, smoothies, and soups.
However, when ill, children can refuse to drink, which increases their risk of dehydration. Pedialyte also contains a specific concentration of sugar that has been shown to increase the absorption of fluid and electrolytes in the gut 1. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are often more effective at treating dehydration than water.
This is because they contain a specific mixture of fluid, sugar, and electrolytes. To help prevent hospitalization due to dehydration, healthcare professionals typically suggest offering an ORS like Pedialyte to your child as soon as vomiting or diarrhea begins.
It may also be indicated for high fever, excessive sweating, or poor fluid intake during illness 3. For children who no longer drink breastmilk or formula, Pedialyte should be offered instead of water or other fluids whenever possible. Plus, to maintain its efficacy, it should not be diluted with other fluids like water, juice, or milk.
However, mild or moderate cases of dehydration can often be treated at home. In fact, in these cases, oral rehydration appears as effective as intravenous IV fluids at treating dehydration 3. Recent research suggests that an ORS like Pedialyte is most beneficial in cases of moderate dehydration. Although it can also be used in less severe cases of dehydration, offering your child diluted juice followed by their preferred fluids may be sufficient 4.
Symptoms and levels of dehydration can be difficult to recognize in babies and young children. They include 5 , 6 :.
The severity of dehydration can progress rapidly, especially in babies. Pedialyte should only be given to children under the age of 1 under the supervision of a medical provider.
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