Can I Give My Baby Pedialyte?

Can I give my baby Pedialyte?Pedialyte can help when your child is suffering from diarrhea or vomiting, they are losing all of the vitamins and minerals they have consumed, causing their bodies to become dehydrated. Dehydration is a serious problem, especially in young babies. If a child under one year of age becomes dehydrated, it usually results in a trip to the emergency room to receive necessary fluids.

Can I Give My Baby Pedialyte? Answer: At One Year, If Needed

You should assess vomiting and diarrhea with caution. Sometimes, it may be that something they ate is not agreeing with them. Other times, they may have picked up a virus. And in the worst case scenario, it could be the sign of something more severe. You should always seek medical advice for continued vomiting and diarrhea in babies and small children.

You may find that if your child is vomiting or has diareah that giving them water alone is not helping or that they throw it back up again. When your child has lost fluid, it is important to replace it with something full of vitamins and nutrients to help rehydrate them more quickly. Pedialyte can help restore a child’s hydration levels.

What is Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is a product used to replace fluids and minerals lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. It is a solution which consists of a balance of salt, water and sugar. It replenishes fluids and electrolytes which were lost from the body due to vomiting and diarrhea. It also helps the intestines absorb water to prevent further dehydration.

What is Dehydration?

When we become dehydrated, our body becomes imbalanced. Water is moving out of the body more quickly than we can replace it through eating and drinking. If a body loses too much water it cannot function efficiently anymore. With the loss of fluids through diarrhea and vomiting the body also loses essential minerals. This can be very serious, especially in small children and babies.

How Do Children Become Dehydrated?

When a child or baby has diarrhea or vomiting they lose large amounts of fluid from their body. If the fluid loss is excessive it can lead to dehydration. In hot weather babies and children may also become easily dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, going more than six hours without a wet diaper, dry mouth and sunken eyes.

When To Use Pedialyte

The uses are not only limited to replacing lost fluids from vomiting or diahrea. You can also give your child Pedialyte instead of juice or water on very hot days. If your child is out playing on a hot day, you should give them Pedialyte to stay hydrated. Pedialyte can also be given to children who have a fever, as the cold sweats from fevers can cause your child to also become dehydrated.

Pedialyte is not solely for babies. Older children and even adults can benefit from the electrolytes found in Pedialyte. It does not contain a great amount of sugar, so some older children and adults may not like the bland taste.

How can you take Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is sold in a liquid form, a powdered form or even in icy pole form. When you take pedialyte follow all directions from your doctor, pharmacist or the packaging. If you are uncertain about any of the information consult your doctor.

Liquid form – this should not me mixed or diluted with water. Shake the bottle well before each dose. The liquid form comes in unflavored and fruit flavored varieties.

Powdered form – mix the powder with water and directed and stir until completely dissolved.

Freezer pops – designed for older children and toddlers. Stored in the freezer made of pedialyte solution useful in summer to combat dehydration due to heat. Freezer pops may temporarily discolor the mouth after eating.

Dosage

Pedialyte is like a baby form of Gatorade. It contains electrolytes that are important to replenish a dehydrated body. If your child is under one year of age, you need to consult with your child’s doctor to see how much and how often Pedialyte can be given. For children over one year of age, small amounts of Pedialyte can generally be given every four to six hours to ensure your child’s body is getting the necessary minerals to help them stay hydrated and feel better.

Dosage will be based on your child’s medical condition, your doctor’s advice and the response to the illness and treatment. As the condition improves move back onto bland foods, introducing regular diet gradually.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Is In Pedialyte?

A full ingredient list is available on the packaging, however you may find the following in pedialyte: Water, dextrose, citric acid, sodium chloride, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, potassium citrate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. natural and artificial flavor, FD&C Red No. 40, and FD&C Blue No. 1. Yellow No. 6

Allergies and Pedialyte

Allergic reaction to pedialyte is rare. Mild nausea and vomiting may occur when you begin taking the product, but this may be reduced by sipping slowly at the recommended dosage. The following side effects are unlikely, but if they occur consult a medical professional immediately. Dizziness, rash, itching, unusual weakness, swelling of feet or ankles, severe mood changes or seizures.

Speak with your doctor before consuming pedialyte if your child has existing allergies which may be affected by this product.

Where To Buy Pedialyte

This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Pedialyte can be purchased at grocery stores or pharmacies. It is available over the counter and comes in a variety of flavors. Pedialyte does contain a small amount of sugar, so most children do not have a problem consuming the sweet flavor. If your child does not seem to enjoy one flavor of Pedialyte, you can try a different flavor. It is also available online.

Storing Pedialyte

Store this product away from children at room temperature. Do not heat the product unless advised to do so by your doctor or the packaging advises its OK to do so.  When making a solution from powder any remaining unconsumed solution should be discarded after one hour. A solution made from powder and immediately refrigerated can be stored for up to 24 hours. When a solution form of the product is purchased it can be opened and stored in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

Caution

Do not drink fruit juice or consume additional sugar or salt when taking this product unless advised to do so by your doctor. If your child’s condition worsens or persists more than 24 hours seek medical advice.

If overdose is suspected contact emergency room or poison control immediately. US Residents : 1-800-222-1222. DIN (Drug Identification Number) 00630365 PEDIALYTE SOLUTION

Do not flush unused medicine down the sink or toilet.

Not a Medicine or a Cure

It is important to know that the use of Pedialyte will not stop your baby from having diarrhea or vomiting. It is not a medicine, and its use is solely to ensure your child does not become dehydrated from the constant diarrhea or vomit. Remember, it is not a cure for diarrhea, vomiting or fever and should not be used as a medicine.

As always, if you have questions about Pedialyte and its uses, it is best to consult with your child’s doctor. He or she will be able to discuss your concerns and answer your questions in more thorough detail.

Add Your Own Answer to Can I Give My Baby Pedialyte? Below

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Emily Furman August 4, 2013 at 2:44 pm

Can I give my 7 month old this drink instead of water if he is not sick or should i just give him water? Will this stop him up?

Thanks,
Emily

Reply

canigivemybaby August 4, 2013 at 10:31 pm

Hi Emily,
I am not a doctor, so I am not sure. Always follow the packaging advice and see your doctor or pediatrician for questions like this.
Good luck, Amber

Reply

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