parents-what do you think of this idea?

[worm761]

i was just wondering how good of an idea this may be----i am taking my DS to the world in July. i know that it is very hot at this time and that children can get dehydrated quickly. so to counter act this i was thinking of giving my DS pedialyte while we are there. i have never had to use this stuff before......but they did have it is little juice bottles at the store. so what do you guys think--is this a good idea or a bad one? thanks!

[mummajea]

I would check with your doctor. From my understanding it is similar to driking Gatorade or another sports drink....but unless they have improved the taste lately, I could never get my DD to drink it as a young child. Water always worked best.

[Tinkerbells2000]

How old is he?? If he is over a year than Gatorade, adn powerade, and other drinks with electrolites (Sp?) work just as well, with kids that are older, and is quite a bit cheaper. And probably taste better to the kids. Because of my daughter being in the hospital so often with dehydration because of her hypermytosis, I have learned that unless pedialyte taste good only if ice cold. Other than that my little one will not drink it. Hope that helps a little.

[Lorix2]

Hi, how old is you're DS?

I too would definitely check with you're pediatrician...doesn't pedialyte work to replace lost electrolytes (something like that), not prevent them from being lost in case he might dehydrate?? It's like giving you're child Tylenol all week long just to prevent any headaches, which wouldn't be too good for him obviously....

I would stick with water or some juices in moderation...hope this helped...

[koswalt]

Pedialyte used to be multiple times more expensive than Gatorade. We haven't used it in about 10 years, but back then the Dr. said it's basically the same stuff. We used pedialyte because it is colorless and our DS was a big hurler back then (Gatorade stains the carpets).:D

[tjmw2727]

I personally wouldn't bother with the pedialite but I would get your little one used to drinking water now. Lots of water and fruit during the day will do as well, (IMHO better) than all the artificial stuff. We use brita sports bottles and keep them filled with ice & water all day. If your little one isn't used to the taste of water try a 1/2 strength lemonade and reduce the amount of powder until its mostly water.

If you do use gatorade or an adult sports drink, use it very (very) diluted. It is loaded with sodium and can actually make a young child sick in large doses.

I think a healthy child will naturally keep hydrated even at WDW in the summer. Take lots of breaks esp mid day and watch for the grouchies. Often children don't know they are thirsty but a meltdown of anykind can be a sure sign.

Enjoy!
TJ

[ZachnElli]

I can't get my kids to drink pedialyte nor gatorade , so good luck on that! I'd stick to something that you know they will drink, something is better than nothing (if they refuse pedialyte)

[SueM in MN]

Gatorade and Pedialyte are made to replace electroltyes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, sugar, etc.) and fluid that is lost from excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Electrolytes need to stay in balance for the body to work correctly and you don't lose that much in normal sweating. If you are taking in more electrolytes than you are losing, you can actually get more dehydrated. Your body will try to get rid of the extra electrolyes and and it needs water (taken from the body) to flush them out.
I would not use either one (especially with a child) unless you have discussed it with the pediatrician.

[rbuzzotta]

I agree with all other posts but would like to add the caffeinated beverages can dehydrate a person. The best suggestion is WATER!!!!!! LOTS of Water!! Stay away from Cola, Mountain Dew, IceTEA/Ice Coffee or anything else with caffeine in it. I usually bring snack bags of pretzels with us (salt) and my DD's ONLY drink water! (Their choice!)

Have a wonderful time!!

[Disneycrazymom]

The first time we took my DD to Disneyland she was only 6 monthes old and we used Pedialyte for her in the afternoon. Since she was so little I don't think the taste bothered her and I felt better (even if she would have been ok without it.):D

[dmslush]

I don't know about other kids, but pedialyte would constipate my daughter something awful! But, she is nearly 10 years old, so it has been a while since I used it and it may have changed.

[georgiapeach60]

Most kids unless they have some kind of underlying problem do just fine with the heat. Get them drinking the water and tell them it is not an option not to. There are lots of shady places around to rest and replenish.