Oral Rehydration for Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Your child can get dehydrated when their body has lost too much water. This can happen because of vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, or fever. Dehydration can happen quickly in babies and young children. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. You can give your child an oral rehydration drink to replace water and minerals. Several brands can be found in grocery stores and drugstores. These include Pedialyte and Infalyte.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give your child lots of fluids. This is very important if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. Give your child sips of water or drinks such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. You can buy them at drugstores or grocery stores. Give these drinks as long as your child is throwing up or has diarrhea. Do not use them as the only source of liquids or food for more than 12 to 24 hours.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Start to offer small amounts of food when your child feels like eating again.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passed out (lost consciousness).

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has symptoms of dehydration that are getting worse, such as:
  • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
  • Passing only a little urine.
  • Feeling thirstier than usual.
• Your child cannot keep down fluids.
• Your child is becoming less alert or aware.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child does not get better as expected.