Tips on Getting Liquids Into Sick Babies

When a baby becomes sick, several symptoms could contribute to dehydration. Gastroenteritis, including vomiting and diarrhea, often makes it a challenge to get a baby to eat and drink normally. An elevated body temperature can also contribute to dehydration. You may need to get creative to get liquids into your baby when she̵7;s not feeling well.

  1. Feeding Tips

    • If you are breastfeeding your sick baby, continue to offer frequent feedings as often as he will accept them, advises the FamilyDoctor.org website. Breast milk contains natural electrolytes that will help your baby avoid dehydration. If you formula-feed, speak to your pediatrician about giving your baby a lactose-free formula during his illness, because lactose may worsen diarrhea symptoms.

    Electrolyte Solutions

    • Special electrolyte solutions are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. These fruit-flavored beverages contain sodium and potassium to replenish a child̵7;s system of electrolytes lost through illness, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org website. Electrolyte solutions are also available as frozen treats, which some children enjoy. Speak with your physician about giving your child an electrolyte solution.

    Start Small

    • If a baby has significant illness, rehydrate her slowly to help her tolerate the liquids. If your baby is still breastfeeding or formula-feeding, give her 1 to 2 tablespoons of fluids between feedings, offering the supplementary fluids every five to 15 minutes, suggests Doernbecher Children̵7;s Hospital. As long as your baby tolerates these fluids, increase the fluid intake by 1 to 2 ounces until your child is consuming fluids normally.

    Tips to Avoid

    • Some common instructions and tips that parents often heard for avoiding or treating dehydration are no longer recommended by professionals, warns the American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org website. Physicians recommended giving children sports drinks, but they now realize these beverages do not contain the correct mixture of sugars and salts, which could even exacerbate symptoms.

    Professional Intervention

    • If your baby refuses to breastfeed or formula-feed normally, call your physician for guidance for keeping your baby hydrated. If your baby acts listless, has a dry mouth, urinates less frequently or cries without tears, call your physician immediately because your baby may need emergency medical attention, according to the AAP.

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