Rehydrating Your Child Naturally: Homemade Pedialyte
I get a lot of questions about this from readers and have also wondered myself…how do you rehydrate your sick child without succumbing to the artificial ingredients found in Pedialyte?
Just ask any pediatrician across the country and they’ll likely say this is the beverage of choice when it comes to your little one recovering from the stomach bug… And in case you are not familiar with Pedialyte, it's a hydration solution that is meant to offset the effects (such as vomiting or diarrhea) of illnesses like the flu. -
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- I am not saying this drink won't provide your sick child with some much needed nutrients (we've used it before ourselves years ago), but what about the unnecessary extras it comes with like artificial flavors, sweeteners, and color (yellow 6)?
We've already discussed some disturbing facts about the artificial dyes that require a warning label in many countries outside of the US, but as far as I can tell there aren’t many acceptable rehydration alternatives that don’t contain them (Gatorade or other sports drinks often come up as another electrolyte solution but it's also full of artificial sweeteners and dyes).
And when I asked our pediatrician’s office if they could please recommend another option, since I wanted to avoid the questionable artificial ingredients in Pedialyte, they had no idea what I was talking about. I am honestly not sure why I was surprised.
So I decided to reach out to a local, board-certified pediatrician, who is also trained in integrative medicine, for some better choices on fast rehydration. Dr. Sheila Kilbane shared with me that there is actually an alternative, and it's a well-known recipe provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) called Oral Rehydration Salts/Solution (N-ORS). In so many words she said this solution was created for those in developing countries that can't just run down the street to the nearest Piggly Wiggly to grab some Pedialyte.
And after she explained it to me like that it made complete sense that there would be an acceptable, easy alternative to Pedialyte in existence. So I then went back to our regular pediatrician's office and specifically asked if ORS would adequately replenish my child during a time of dehydration and this time they said "yes." It's amazing to me the amount of pull drug companies have on our doctors these days because Pedialyte is of course made by Abbott, one of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies on the planet.
I'd like to share this "Homemade Pedialyte" N-ORS version with you today, but with one warning message...
Disclaimer: This recipe is recommended for children who are older than 1, generally healthy with properly functioning kidneys, and not experiencing severe dehydration or high fever (which would probably require direct medical attention anyhow). And, as always, follow your own doctor's advice over anything you find on the internet!
Homemade Pedialyte Recipe
Mix together:
1 quart water
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
Note: If you fear your child will think this drink is too plain consider adding in a couple splashes of orange Juice. Also, the sugar and salt may dissolve more easily if you warm up the water first. You could also pour this solution into freezer pop molds and make homemade Pedialyte popsicles.
I did also ask Dr. Kilbane about using coconut water for rehydration since it does contain some natural electrolytes, but the concern there is the lack of sodium. Your body needs the sodium to help you retain the liquid, otherwise it will just go right through you. You could potentially add ¼ teaspoon table salt and some OJ to coconut water to make sure both the sodium and sugar aspects are covered, but the recipe above is a sure thing.
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Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.
Comments
Kristensays
Our local health board publishes and distributes a newsletter a couple of times a year, and a recipe similar to this appeared a couple of years ago. I've held onto it, though luckily haven't needed it yet.
Thanks for speaking up Liana. This site is a great resource, but why the jab at physicians and pharmaceutical companies? I personally was confused what that added to the post, sounded like an opportunity to just insert politics. There are good doctors and bad doctors and good people in pharma and bad people in pharma just like every other industry.....are the people we each work with perfect? And as for why a ped wouldnt recommend this first......80 percent of the parents out there want to do what is easy.....and that is popping open a bottle of pedialyte. Just look around at how many parents in these offices are popping bottles of formula into their babies instead of breastmilk, because it's too hard and takes too much work. And you really think your doctor was too scared to recommend ORT because of what Abbott would think? Really? Like a couple of bottles of pedialyte are going to impact Abbott's business. If you don't like the way your doc practices why not see someone different? The nice thing is you have that choice...for now.
Megan - I appreciate your feedback, but in this case the issue was not that our pediatrician's office didn't recommend the homemade version to me "first" they didn't tell me about it at all even though I was practically pestering them (through multiple phone calls - 3 to be exact - and 1 well visit) to tell me an alternative. And I also doubt they were trying to protect every last sale of Abbott...in my opinion it's that the drug company recommendations are just so engrained these days this type of response has just become automatic. I couldn't agree more that there are good doctors and bad doctors and obviously I think the doctors we go to are "good" (or else I wouldn't go there), but I do fully recognize the influence that the pharmaceutical companies have every time I step foot into a doctor's office. As I shared with another commenter just recently a completely different pediatrician (at an Urgent Care) told me she does not give her children the flu vaccine, but she is required to tell her patients to do so. No one can deny that pharma is a big business and while I am sure there are good intentions at the core (at least the majority of the time) I think it's important for patients to not just take everything they are told at face value.
That is unfortunate and quite sad that the provider you saw would recommend something to you that she wouldn't do for her own children. I am a mom of 3 and can't imagine a situation where I would recommend something to patients that I would not do for my own kids. (This includes vaccines--and I do vaccinate my own kids according to the same schedule I recommend to patients.)
Jennifersays
Thank you for this! It's perfect timing for me! My small family is on vacation & my 2 yr old has diarrhea. This is perfect cuz I can just use salt packets from the breakfast area & sugar from the coffee station at our hotel! I love that my son will grow up with a better diet & knowledge of food than I did. Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge with the world!
I remember first hearing about this in college, because we learned about how cheap it is to make and how it saves lives, since people actually die of dehydration if they don't have access to medical care.
I hadn't ever thought to make it at home. Funny, here in Thailand when you're sick, people will sometimes offer you sprite with salt in it. I guess this is a healthier version of their Sprite remedy.
Great, I have all the ingredients, it can't get better than that!! I grew up in Honduras and this is exactly what my mom just to give us, and now I get it! I'm certainly going back to mom for some old but effective homemade recipes;) thanks for all the great stuff you post.
And let's not forget the sucralose (Splenda) that's in Pedialyte because that controversial chemical sweetener is really great for kids. Especially those recovering from illness. (not!)
Please pediatricians, do wake up and read the labels. Abbott labs is listed right there on the front of the label and on the back. If you're not reading the fine print yourselves and assessing the relative value of the component parts as well as the collective, then, imo, you are doing your patients a disservice.
Plus, we've all seen the Pedialyte coupons in the Pediatrician's waiting rooms. So maybe the pharma reps are popping in to drop those off without the MD's knowledge but I'm sure the front desk is friendly with those who bring them goodies and free lunches.
Of course that's not a knock on all doctors but let's face it, it is the reality for most.
Thank you so very much for this!!! I was just pondering this dilemma and had decided to do some research myself. No food coloring in this household for 7 months but if I absolutely HAD to, if it were life or dehydration, they'd get pedialite. Now I don't have to worry about it.
Anyone who doubts the power of food coloring to make a child go bonkers should watch my 4yo son when someone slips him some. Yeesh. We just did a science fair project also (my 6th grader) and you should see how deformed wheat is when you water them with food coloring in the water as they (finally) germinate and try to grow, vs plain water.
Oh wow! I wonder why pediatricians don't recommend this first!? I think that's why people have the general feeling that its because of a link to big pharmaceutical companies, otherwise it seems they would find the healthiest natural options and suggest those first and then the other ideas. And I guess some drs are more inline with natural health options than others.
Thanks for looking into this. Sometimes we just make things more difficult in this country - simple sugar salt water is all that's needed.
This is wonderful thanks so much for sharing. Just a couple weeks ago my daughter was sick and wanted to keep her hydrated but was so opposed to the pedialyte, I ended up just giving her water with electrolytes in it. Glad to have this as an alternative in the future.
Ditto your earlier pediatrician comment. I'm a pediatrician as well and I also had no idea who manufactured Pedialyte prior to reading your post and I strongly resist the notion that all doctors are run by drug companies. That is just not true. We are in the business of taking good care of our patients which often includes helping them navigate a sea of misinformation and toxins. In our office we all recommend ORT, flavorless pedialyte or whatever we think will be most successful for a given family (some folks only want to go to the convenience store). Thanks for sharing this recipe - hopefully many parents will find it helpful. But please don't vilify doctors. I, and many others, read your site and recommend it to our patients.
I appreciated this comment. As a pediatric Physician Assistant, I frequently try to guide my patients to more natural options when they are available. Pedialyte is easily available, which is the reason that most pediatric practitioners recommend it first line. I have to agree with Liana and state that I do not make medical decisions for my patients based on any drug manufacturer. I appreciate you sharing this recipe to make it easier for families to find an alternative.
Liana and Amy - I am just thrilled to hear that your offices think outside the pharmaceutical "box" and even recommend the homemade version to your patients. As I mentioned in the post above the landscape is fairly different where we go because I couldn't seem to get this information out of any of our doctors (and I even asked more than one at the practice). I am also wondering if this could be a regional thing (we are in NC) because my statement was partly fueled by a recent experience with a different pediatrician (at an Urgent Care here in town). She told me she does not give her children the flu shot, but she is required to tell her patients to do so.
Meredithsays
I love you website and support your efforts completely. I do disagree, however, that the decision to recommend a flu shot demonstrates the "pull" of pharmaceutical companies. The American Academy of Pediatrics comes out with recommendations annually, which help establish the standard of care pediatricians are expected to provide. More likely than not, the doctor was explaining the AAP recommendation and acknowledging she deviates from that standard based upon the needs of her own children.
Lisasays
Meredith - I am not just referring to the decision to recommend flu shots, but instead the constant barrage of flu shot advertisements and banners that we now see EVERYWHERE. It's no question that it's a profitable gig for the pharma companies.
Lesliesays
My doctor told me how to make pedialyte, the only difference is that there isn't any potassium in your recipe. You can buy potassium salts in the grocery store right next to the regular stuff. It is only really necessary when there is significant vomiting or diarrhea because the body loses potassium with each episode. I also like this idea because it is much cheaper than buying a huge bottle of pedialyte that doesn't even get finished.
The really good news is there is an "acceptable, easy alternative" to pretty much every synthetic, pharma-chemical concoction the pediatrician prescribes! Seek and ye shall find!
I see a few runners talking about Gatorade.
A good friend of mine posted a recipe for
A homemade sports drink with clean ingredients.
(Flame retardant free too!!)
LindsayLeighBentley.com
I am a runner and refuse to use electrolyte replacement drinks like Gatorade during my long runs.... instead I use water with some honey, lemon and salt to replace lost electrolytes. I'm pretty sure this would also work for a child recovering from a stomach bug or dehydration
As a pediatrician, I get a little tired of people thinking that the pharmaceutical companies "have a hold" on me and my colleagues. I had no idea who manufactured pedialyte until your post, nor do we have pharmaceutical reps in our office. We do have WHO ORT packets in our office and we do offer both pedialyte or homemade recipes as advice for dehydrated children. Truthfully, it is easier to tell parents to have pedialyte on hand in case of dehydration, but maybe I should hand them a recipe instead. Just please know that we pediatricians want to help our patients and in general (I'm sure there are exceptions) are not under the control of drug companies!
Koriewe - I am so glad to hear that about your practice. As I shared above the landscape is pretty different where I take my kids. It could also be a regional thing (we are in NC).
I didn't grow up in the US and had never heard of Pedialyte. My mom used to make us strained oat soup which is just oatmeal made with a lot of extra water, strained to a thin drinkable soup and added salt and sugar. A bit of berry juice will make it more enjoyable for the kids. This soup adds the nutrients lost during a stomach bug and also helps ease symptoms from too much acid by lining the stomach and other areas affected.
I made this for my 18-month-old a few weeks back and he drank it with no issues.
A better alternative would be coconut water. It has the same electrolyte balance as the body. They actually used it years ago in emergency situations for plasma. It has a slightly sweet taste. You just have to find a good tasting brand.
I am so glad for this post!!!!!! I have been using gator aid and I KNOW that's not good but wasn't sure what to do. Thanks for all that you do to keep our families healthy. Your changing the world one family at a time!!!
According to the link to rehydrate.org that you provided the recipe says that it is 1 liter of water, 6 level teaspoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. It also says that "If possible, add 1/2 cup orange juice or some mashed banana to improve the taste and provide some potassium.
Molasses and other forms of raw sugar can be used instead of white sugar, and these contain more potassium than white sugar."
I remember something about natural white grape juice and salt? Maybe 1 & 1/2 tsp salt per liter juice? Has anyone ever heard about this? Already natural sugar and potassium?
So funny - I came across this recipe this morning (I have a sick 3 yo). The only thing I found different (livestrong.com & familydoctor.org) is that since the homemade recipe doesn't have potassium like Pedialyte, you should give your kid a banana as soon as they can hold down solids. Pretty cool!
Maybe you should go into more detail on why these ingredients are bad for babies. Water, Dextrose. Less than 2% of the Following: Potassium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, and Zinc Gluconate. Example They are all derived from corn and are extremely fake and your body does not process it as it should normal natural sources. Aloe water is wonderful for rehydration and has both sugars and salts. You can make your own as well. Using grade A maple syrup works wonderfully and it has health benefits along with using blackstrap molasses.
Dextrose is just another word for glucose, the sugar your body processes no matter where it comes from. Sodium Chloride is salt (NaCl). Whether it came from a mine or the ocean, the chemical is the exact same.
Dextrose is refined sugar from corn not a great source in the form you would normally be intaking it
Tiffany Barnetsays
Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, etc. are electrolytes that are found in everyday foods that you eat, not just corn. There is nothing fake about them, you absolutely must have them and in the correct amounts. When you are sick, electrolyte levels can be unbalanced for several reasons.
Sugar will actually dehydrate you even more, if you are dehydrated, do not drink sugary beverages, that will just make your symptoms worse. Hope that helps.
I'm in nursing school......
Thank you Lisa! You are awesome and I love the info you post. It's so hard to eat healthy (it really shouldn't be this difficult) and I appreciate you taking a lot of the leg work out for us. My son hates pedialyte and I cringe to give him that or Gatorade (shudder). We are not 100% real food yet but working on it. :)
Interesting! I have been looking at making my own sports drink (I am a marathoner and have always used Nuun for my long runs- until I checked out the ingredient label). Although I am also intrigued by the drinks from Skratch Labs- way more expensive than Pedialyte or making your own, though.
Just fyi, pedialyte comes in an unflavored, clear variety for infants... the ingredients are not quite as natural as your homemade recipe which I think is great, but does not have artificial dyes and colors which is good... this is what I recommend to my patients.
Water, Dextrose. Less than 2% of the Following: Potassium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, and Zinc Gluconate
This is great, thanks Lisa. My kid hates pedialyte. Whenever he gets sick, I just mix half plain Smart Water (just plain water with electrolytes, nothing else) and 100% apple juice. It works great.
Kristen says
Our local health board publishes and distributes a newsletter a couple of times a year, and a recipe similar to this appeared a couple of years ago. I've held onto it, though luckily haven't needed it yet.
Megan says
Thanks for speaking up Liana. This site is a great resource, but why the jab at physicians and pharmaceutical companies? I personally was confused what that added to the post, sounded like an opportunity to just insert politics. There are good doctors and bad doctors and good people in pharma and bad people in pharma just like every other industry.....are the people we each work with perfect? And as for why a ped wouldnt recommend this first......80 percent of the parents out there want to do what is easy.....and that is popping open a bottle of pedialyte. Just look around at how many parents in these offices are popping bottles of formula into their babies instead of breastmilk, because it's too hard and takes too much work. And you really think your doctor was too scared to recommend ORT because of what Abbott would think? Really? Like a couple of bottles of pedialyte are going to impact Abbott's business. If you don't like the way your doc practices why not see someone different? The nice thing is you have that choice...for now.
Lisa says
Megan - I appreciate your feedback, but in this case the issue was not that our pediatrician's office didn't recommend the homemade version to me "first" they didn't tell me about it at all even though I was practically pestering them (through multiple phone calls - 3 to be exact - and 1 well visit) to tell me an alternative. And I also doubt they were trying to protect every last sale of Abbott...in my opinion it's that the drug company recommendations are just so engrained these days this type of response has just become automatic. I couldn't agree more that there are good doctors and bad doctors and obviously I think the doctors we go to are "good" (or else I wouldn't go there), but I do fully recognize the influence that the pharmaceutical companies have every time I step foot into a doctor's office. As I shared with another commenter just recently a completely different pediatrician (at an Urgent Care) told me she does not give her children the flu vaccine, but she is required to tell her patients to do so. No one can deny that pharma is a big business and while I am sure there are good intentions at the core (at least the majority of the time) I think it's important for patients to not just take everything they are told at face value.
Koriewe says
That is unfortunate and quite sad that the provider you saw would recommend something to you that she wouldn't do for her own children. I am a mom of 3 and can't imagine a situation where I would recommend something to patients that I would not do for my own kids. (This includes vaccines--and I do vaccinate my own kids according to the same schedule I recommend to patients.)
Jennifer says
Thank you for this! It's perfect timing for me! My small family is on vacation & my 2 yr old has diarrhea. This is perfect cuz I can just use salt packets from the breakfast area & sugar from the coffee station at our hotel! I love that my son will grow up with a better diet & knowledge of food than I did. Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge with the world!
Robin Jingjit says
I remember first hearing about this in college, because we learned about how cheap it is to make and how it saves lives, since people actually die of dehydration if they don't have access to medical care.
I hadn't ever thought to make it at home. Funny, here in Thailand when you're sick, people will sometimes offer you sprite with salt in it. I guess this is a healthier version of their Sprite remedy.
Michelle says
Actually, they do make a clear, unflavored Pedialyte with no artificial flavors or colors. We found it at a local whole food store.
Kelly says
They do have unflavored pedialyte (no artificial coloring or flavors). You can add some fresh juice to it if needed.
Gabriela says
Great, I have all the ingredients, it can't get better than that!! I grew up in Honduras and this is exactly what my mom just to give us, and now I get it! I'm certainly going back to mom for some old but effective homemade recipes;) thanks for all the great stuff you post.
Beth says
And let's not forget the sucralose (Splenda) that's in Pedialyte because that controversial chemical sweetener is really great for kids. Especially those recovering from illness. (not!)
Please pediatricians, do wake up and read the labels. Abbott labs is listed right there on the front of the label and on the back. If you're not reading the fine print yourselves and assessing the relative value of the component parts as well as the collective, then, imo, you are doing your patients a disservice.
Plus, we've all seen the Pedialyte coupons in the Pediatrician's waiting rooms. So maybe the pharma reps are popping in to drop those off without the MD's knowledge but I'm sure the front desk is friendly with those who bring them goodies and free lunches.
Of course that's not a knock on all doctors but let's face it, it is the reality for most.
Amy says
Thank you so very much for this!!! I was just pondering this dilemma and had decided to do some research myself. No food coloring in this household for 7 months but if I absolutely HAD to, if it were life or dehydration, they'd get pedialite. Now I don't have to worry about it.
Anyone who doubts the power of food coloring to make a child go bonkers should watch my 4yo son when someone slips him some. Yeesh. We just did a science fair project also (my 6th grader) and you should see how deformed wheat is when you water them with food coloring in the water as they (finally) germinate and try to grow, vs plain water.
Molly says
Oh wow! I wonder why pediatricians don't recommend this first!? I think that's why people have the general feeling that its because of a link to big pharmaceutical companies, otherwise it seems they would find the healthiest natural options and suggest those first and then the other ideas. And I guess some drs are more inline with natural health options than others.
Thanks for looking into this. Sometimes we just make things more difficult in this country - simple sugar salt water is all that's needed.
Andrea says
I love this. My son gets dehydrated so easily when he gets sick, but I hate giving him the artificial stuff.
Christy says
This is wonderful thanks so much for sharing. Just a couple weeks ago my daughter was sick and wanted to keep her hydrated but was so opposed to the pedialyte, I ended up just giving her water with electrolytes in it. Glad to have this as an alternative in the future.
Rachel says
Is coconut water a good substitute? Isn't it good to drink after a stomach bug?
Lisa says
Rachel - Coconut water is addressed in the post above (below the recipe). In most cases it's not a good substitute alone.
Liana says
Ditto your earlier pediatrician comment. I'm a pediatrician as well and I also had no idea who manufactured Pedialyte prior to reading your post and I strongly resist the notion that all doctors are run by drug companies. That is just not true. We are in the business of taking good care of our patients which often includes helping them navigate a sea of misinformation and toxins. In our office we all recommend ORT, flavorless pedialyte or whatever we think will be most successful for a given family (some folks only want to go to the convenience store). Thanks for sharing this recipe - hopefully many parents will find it helpful. But please don't vilify doctors. I, and many others, read your site and recommend it to our patients.
Amy says
I appreciated this comment. As a pediatric Physician Assistant, I frequently try to guide my patients to more natural options when they are available. Pedialyte is easily available, which is the reason that most pediatric practitioners recommend it first line. I have to agree with Liana and state that I do not make medical decisions for my patients based on any drug manufacturer. I appreciate you sharing this recipe to make it easier for families to find an alternative.
Lisa says
Liana and Amy - I am just thrilled to hear that your offices think outside the pharmaceutical "box" and even recommend the homemade version to your patients. As I mentioned in the post above the landscape is fairly different where we go because I couldn't seem to get this information out of any of our doctors (and I even asked more than one at the practice). I am also wondering if this could be a regional thing (we are in NC) because my statement was partly fueled by a recent experience with a different pediatrician (at an Urgent Care here in town). She told me she does not give her children the flu shot, but she is required to tell her patients to do so.
Meredith says
I love you website and support your efforts completely. I do disagree, however, that the decision to recommend a flu shot demonstrates the "pull" of pharmaceutical companies. The American Academy of Pediatrics comes out with recommendations annually, which help establish the standard of care pediatricians are expected to provide. More likely than not, the doctor was explaining the AAP recommendation and acknowledging she deviates from that standard based upon the needs of her own children.
Lisa says
Meredith - I am not just referring to the decision to recommend flu shots, but instead the constant barrage of flu shot advertisements and banners that we now see EVERYWHERE. It's no question that it's a profitable gig for the pharma companies.
Leslie says
My doctor told me how to make pedialyte, the only difference is that there isn't any potassium in your recipe. You can buy potassium salts in the grocery store right next to the regular stuff. It is only really necessary when there is significant vomiting or diarrhea because the body loses potassium with each episode. I also like this idea because it is much cheaper than buying a huge bottle of pedialyte that doesn't even get finished.
Lisa says
Good to know about the potassium...I did notice that on the Pedialyte nutriton label. Thanks Leslie!
Beth says
The really good news is there is an "acceptable, easy alternative" to pretty much every synthetic, pharma-chemical concoction the pediatrician prescribes! Seek and ye shall find!
Stacy Fuqua says
I see a few runners talking about Gatorade.
A good friend of mine posted a recipe for
A homemade sports drink with clean ingredients.
(Flame retardant free too!!)
LindsayLeighBentley.com
Kat says
Thank you so much! You are such a blessing and a wealth of knowledge for me and my family!
[email protected] says
You are SO right! It is shocking what some pediatricians will recommend. Great story--I will be sharing this on my Facebook page.
tanya says
I am a runner and refuse to use electrolyte replacement drinks like Gatorade during my long runs.... instead I use water with some honey, lemon and salt to replace lost electrolytes. I'm pretty sure this would also work for a child recovering from a stomach bug or dehydration
Koriewe says
As a pediatrician, I get a little tired of people thinking that the pharmaceutical companies "have a hold" on me and my colleagues. I had no idea who manufactured pedialyte until your post, nor do we have pharmaceutical reps in our office. We do have WHO ORT packets in our office and we do offer both pedialyte or homemade recipes as advice for dehydrated children. Truthfully, it is easier to tell parents to have pedialyte on hand in case of dehydration, but maybe I should hand them a recipe instead. Just please know that we pediatricians want to help our patients and in general (I'm sure there are exceptions) are not under the control of drug companies!
KarinSDCA says
A recipe would be much better! :)
Lisa says
Koriewe - I am so glad to hear that about your practice. As I shared above the landscape is pretty different where I take my kids. It could also be a regional thing (we are in NC).
Carrie says
When my 3 year old recently had a stomach bug, I gave him Food Babe's alternative to Gatorade. It worked great!
Jenny says
How about water? Or juice? Or even better, coconut water?
J says
Water can actually dehydrate a person more when already dehydrated. A solution with salt and a bit if sugars is easier for the body to absorb.
Juice alone with a ton of sugar will aggravate diarrhea.
Vibeke says
I didn't grow up in the US and had never heard of Pedialyte. My mom used to make us strained oat soup which is just oatmeal made with a lot of extra water, strained to a thin drinkable soup and added salt and sugar. A bit of berry juice will make it more enjoyable for the kids. This soup adds the nutrients lost during a stomach bug and also helps ease symptoms from too much acid by lining the stomach and other areas affected.
I made this for my 18-month-old a few weeks back and he drank it with no issues.
Amanda says
A better alternative would be coconut water. It has the same electrolyte balance as the body. They actually used it years ago in emergency situations for plasma. It has a slightly sweet taste. You just have to find a good tasting brand.
Lisa says
Amanda - I addressed coconut water in the post above and why just by itself it's not the best alternative.
Amanda says
Thanks, I guess I missed that part. Maybe next time I will add some sea salt and OJ.
Stephanie B says
Thank you so much! This is so timely, as both my sons came down with stomach bugs this week.
Hattie says
I am so glad for this post!!!!!! I have been using gator aid and I KNOW that's not good but wasn't sure what to do. Thanks for all that you do to keep our families healthy. Your changing the world one family at a time!!!
Susan Cox says
Just made some "pedialyte" for my child yesterday with water, honey, lemon, and salt. He loved it and perked up right away.
Terrie says
According to the link to rehydrate.org that you provided the recipe says that it is 1 liter of water, 6 level teaspoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. It also says that "If possible, add 1/2 cup orange juice or some mashed banana to improve the taste and provide some potassium.
Molasses and other forms of raw sugar can be used instead of white sugar, and these contain more potassium than white sugar."
Lisa says
Yes, Terrie a liter is almost equivalent to a quart and there are 3 teaspoons in a tablespoon therefore the recipes are almost identical.
Debmom4ca says
We used something similar at summer camp this summer. We had kids going down from dehydration despite drinking lots of water.
Dani says
I remember something about natural white grape juice and salt? Maybe 1 & 1/2 tsp salt per liter juice? Has anyone ever heard about this? Already natural sugar and potassium?
Emily S. says
So funny - I came across this recipe this morning (I have a sick 3 yo). The only thing I found different (livestrong.com & familydoctor.org) is that since the homemade recipe doesn't have potassium like Pedialyte, you should give your kid a banana as soon as they can hold down solids. Pretty cool!
Corinne Hutchison says
Watch out using apple juice since it can aggrivate diarreha.
Amanda says
Maybe you should go into more detail on why these ingredients are bad for babies. Water, Dextrose. Less than 2% of the Following: Potassium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, and Zinc Gluconate. Example They are all derived from corn and are extremely fake and your body does not process it as it should normal natural sources. Aloe water is wonderful for rehydration and has both sugars and salts. You can make your own as well. Using grade A maple syrup works wonderfully and it has health benefits along with using blackstrap molasses.
Juan says
Dextrose is just another word for glucose, the sugar your body processes no matter where it comes from. Sodium Chloride is salt (NaCl). Whether it came from a mine or the ocean, the chemical is the exact same.
The zinc and potassium are good for recovery.
Cory says
Dextrose is refined sugar from corn not a great source in the form you would normally be intaking it
Tiffany Barnet says
Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, etc. are electrolytes that are found in everyday foods that you eat, not just corn. There is nothing fake about them, you absolutely must have them and in the correct amounts. When you are sick, electrolyte levels can be unbalanced for several reasons.
Sugar will actually dehydrate you even more, if you are dehydrated, do not drink sugary beverages, that will just make your symptoms worse. Hope that helps.
I'm in nursing school......
julia says
Thank you Lisa! You are awesome and I love the info you post. It's so hard to eat healthy (it really shouldn't be this difficult) and I appreciate you taking a lot of the leg work out for us. My son hates pedialyte and I cringe to give him that or Gatorade (shudder). We are not 100% real food yet but working on it. :)
Nicole says
Thank you!!!! Going to print this out and save it for later!
hannah says
Interesting! I have been looking at making my own sports drink (I am a marathoner and have always used Nuun for my long runs- until I checked out the ingredient label). Although I am also intrigued by the drinks from Skratch Labs- way more expensive than Pedialyte or making your own, though.
Joy Badillo says
Just fyi, pedialyte comes in an unflavored, clear variety for infants... the ingredients are not quite as natural as your homemade recipe which I think is great, but does not have artificial dyes and colors which is good... this is what I recommend to my patients.
Water, Dextrose. Less than 2% of the Following: Potassium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, and Zinc Gluconate
Lisa says
THANK YOU!!!
Tania Kac says
This is great, thanks Lisa. My kid hates pedialyte. Whenever he gets sick, I just mix half plain Smart Water (just plain water with electrolytes, nothing else) and 100% apple juice. It works great.