What can I give my baby to rehydrate?
Christopher Pierce
Updated on February 28, 2026
The best treatment for mild dehydration is to give your child more fluid to drink, such as water or oral rehydration solutions. Gastrolyte, HYDRAlyte, Pedialyte and Repalyte are different types of oral rehydration solutions (fluids) that can be used to replace fluids and body salts.
What can babies drink for dehydration?
For mild dehydration in a child age 1 to 11: Give extra fluids in frequent, small sips, especially if the child is vomiting. Choose clear soup, clear soda, or Pedialyte, if possible. Give popsicles, ice chips, and cereal mixed with milk for added water or fluid.
Can babies drink electrolyte drink?
If your baby is 3 months or older and you think she may be becoming dehydrated, you can give her an electrolyte drink as well.
Can infants drink Pedialyte?
Pedialyte should not be given to babies under the age of 1 without first talking to your pediatrician. Once opened or prepared, the drink should be refrigerated and consumed or discarded within 48 hours to reduce the risk of contamination with harmful bacteria.
How can I hydrate my 2 month old baby?
Both breast milk and infant formula provide your baby with fluid plus nutrition. If it’s a very hot day or you think your baby needs extra hydration, you can give them an extra bottle of formula or pumped breast milk or breastfeed them more often.
What are signs of dehydration in infants?
How can I tell if my child is dehydrated?
- Dry tongue and dry lips.
- No tears when crying.
- Fewer than six wet diapers per day (for infants), and no wet diapers or urination for eight hours (in toddlers).
- Sunken soft spot on infant’s head.
- Sunken eyes.
- Dry and wrinkled skin.
- Deep, rapid breathing.
Can I give my baby Gatorade instead of Pedialyte?
Mild dehydration due to illness in children over 1 year old You can also try giving your child water or ice chips. Electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte or Gatorade will help your child replace both fluids and electrolytes that have been lost.
How do you give an infant ORS?
If your child vomits, stop foods and other fluids, but continue to give the ORS using a spoon. Give 15 mL (1 tbsp.)…For the first 4 hours of oral rehydration (for mild dehydration)
| Babies under 6 months of age | 30 to 90 mL (1 to 3 oz.) every hour |
|---|---|
| Over 2 years of age | At least 125 to 250 mL (4 to 8 oz.) every hour |
Does milk hydrate a baby?
Breast milk or infant formula generally will supply enough fluid to meet their needs. If your child is sick with mild diarrhea or vomiting, keep breastfeeding if you are nursing. Breastfeeding helps prevent diarrhea, and your baby may recover quicker.
How do you give a baby Pedialyte?
Spoon or syringe feed 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Pedialyte every 5 minutes. If your baby is urinating less frequently than normal, you can offer the baby an electrolyte solution between breast-feedings for a short time (6 to 24 hours). Do not give your child any medicines by mouth for 8 hours.
Why it’s dangerous for newborn babies to drink water?
Why you should wait Water feedings tend to fill up your baby, making them less interested in nursing. Providing water to your newborn could result in water intoxication, which can dilute the other nutrient levels in the baby’s body. Too much water causes their kidneys to flush out electrolytes, including sodium, leading to imbalances.
When can my Baby start drinking water?
In general, your baby shouldn’t drink water until he’s about 6 months old. Until then, he gets all the hydration he needs from breast milk or formula, even in hot weather. Once your baby is 6 months old, it’s okay to give him sips of water when he’s thirsty.
When to take your child to the ER for dehydration?
Take your child to the emergency room if she shows signs of severe dehydration. Call your doctor right away if your child shows signs of dehydration. Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child’s treatment or condition.
How to hydrate sick baby?
The following are ways to keep your baby hydrated when sick: If your baby is still breastfeeding or drinking formula, it is okay to keep him on those feedings when he’s sick. An oral rehydration solution (ORS) such as Pedialyte or Enfalyte is also an excellent option to replace fluids and electrolytes.
