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When is Pedialyte sure for babies?

Pedialyte is an oral rehydration solution containing water, sugar and minerals. It provides hydration after loss of liquid for children aged 1 year and more. Talk to a health care provider before giving it to a baby under 12 months old.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

Pedialyte can be used in rehydration in babies aged 1 year and more.

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When to give Pedialyte to babies

Pedialyte can treat slight dehydration at home. According to the manufacturer, Pedialyte is safe for children 1 and over. Consult your child’s pediatrician before administering Pedialyte to a baby under 12 months old.

Consider providing Pedialyte to your child at least 12 months when he risks dehydration of a gastrointestinal disease which includes vomiting or diarrhea. For an additional example:

  • A baby or a child can be dehydrated from excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration occurs when a person loses more liquids than it consumes.
  • When a person becomes dehydrated, he must replace fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium and potassium which are essential to maintain a healthy fluid balance in the body.
  • Because ordinary water is very low in electrolytes, oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are more effective in treating dehydration and preventing complications.

Signs of dehydration in infants

Signs of dehydration in infants may include:

  • Less than six wet layers per day
  • Dry mouth and lips
  • Little or no tears when you cry
  • Play or interact less than normal
  • Sweet loss poured on top of the head

When an infant has severe dehydration, signs may include:

  • Very difficult or irritable
  • Sleep more than normal
  • Less than one to two wet layers per day
  • Cool and bluish hands and feet
  • Wreckled

Dosological guidelines for pediatric ages

Dose directives for babies and children vary depending on the age, weight, level of dehydration of your child and overall health. Ask your pediatrician for advice on the quantity of pedialryte to give and when to seek medical treatment. Always speak with your child’s supplier before giving Pedialyte to a baby under 12 months old.

For most children 1 year old and over, he is sure to start with a few sips of pedileryte every 15 minutes. You can slowly increase the dosage if your child tolerates the sips without vomiting.

Babies and young children can quickly become dehydrated and undergo serious complications. It is always better to speak with your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned about dehydration. Children who are seriously dehydrated may require hospitalization for intravenous liquids (IV) and surveillance.

Ask your child’s supplier how many pedialyte gives him. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following doses by the child’s weight.

Pedialyte dosage guidelines for children
Child weight in books Pediayte dating dosage in ounces
22 40
26 44
33 51
40 61

How to administer Pedialye to babies

There are several ways to administer Pedialyte to babies, toddlers and children. Children over 12 months can try a few sips every 15 minutes if they tolerate it without vomiting. The available forms of pedileryte include:

  • Liquid ready to drink
  • Powdered shape (should be mixed with water)
  • Popsicle

When to call a pediatrician

If your child is unable to tolerate liquids at home, call his pediatrician. Babies and young children can quickly become dehydrated and may require medical intervention. Your child’s supplier may recommend taking them to the emergency room to receive IV liquids if necessary.

Secondary effects and risks

Pedialyte is generally safe for most children over a year. However, there are certain risks to keep in mind:

  • Pedialyte contains ingredients that some children may be unable to tolerate. If your child is allergic to one of the ingredients, Pedialyte is not sure for him. The possible signs of an allergic reaction include hives, rash, swelling and difficulties.
  • Pedialyte is rich in minerals, including sodium. Consumption too much salt could cause serious complications, including hypernatremia (sodium levels raised in the blood). This can lead to serious complications, including irritability, drowsiness and coma.
  • Always follow the advice of your pediatrician during the administration of Pedialyte to babies and children. When you use Pedialyte in powder, always reveal the instructions to make sure you have mixed it well.

Alternative hydration methods

Some parents and caregivers may be curious to make their own rehydration solutions. Because it is difficult to reach a safe balance of liquid, sugar and electrolytes, it is best to avoid making your own rehydration solution.

Too sweet drinks can cause diarrhea and worsen dehydration. Drinks that are too rich in sodium can cause hypernatremia and serious complications.

If you cannot use an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte, speak with your child’s pediatrician of safe alternatives.

Babies and breastfeeding can continue to drink breast milk when they are sick or dehydrated. Cow’s milk can worsen diarrhea, so remember to wait to offer it until your child feels better.

When to ask a supplier

Always consult your baby’s health care provider whenever you are concerned about dehydration. Infants under 12 months should not consume Pedialyte without the supervision of a supplier. Call your supplier if you think your infant can be dehydrated.

For toddlers and children, call your supplier with one of the following symptoms:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea that does not improve after 48 hours
  • Fewer wet layers than normal
  • Irritability or trait
  • More asleep than normal
  • Fresh or bluish hands or feet
  • Pleated skin
  • Fever

Main to remember

  • Pedialyte is an oral rehydration solution to treat light to moderate dehydration.
  • Do not give Pedialyte to a baby under 12 months old without speaking with your child’s pediatrician.
  • Always see your child’s health care provider if you are concerned about dehydration.
Very well health uses only high -quality sources, including studies evaluated by peers, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to find out more about how we check the facts and keep our content precise, reliable and trustworthy.
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  5. OFEI SY, FUCHS GJ 3RD. Principles and practice of oral rehydration. Gastroenterol rep. 2019; 21 (12): 67. Two: 10.1007 / S11894-019-0734-1

  6. American Academy of Pediatrics. Signs of dehydration in infants and children.

  7. American Academy of Pediatrics. Treatment of dehydration with an electrolyte solution.

  8. DAS SK, Afroze F, Ahmed T, et al. Extreme hypernatrous dehydration due to potential poisoning on sodium: consequences and management of an infant with diarrhea in an urban intensive care unit in Bangladesh: a case report. J with the representative of the case. 2015; 9: 124. Doi: 10.1186 / S13256-015-0611-Y

  9. Children’s hospital nationwide. Dehydration: overview and hydration recommendations.


By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH

Madormo is a health writer with more than a decade of experience as an authorized infirmarian. She worked in pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain and public health.

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