The Best Electrolyte Solution for Children

Parents are as much affected when their children contact some stomach virus or a bacterial infection that causes the child to vomit or be subjected to diarrhea. There will be a lot more stress on the child because by proportion, their bodies contain smaller total fluid volumes than adults and therefore, there is a greater chance to become dehydrated even after just a short illness period.

Parents can also become over-anxious in having their child rehydrated and may be administering fluids too fast. This could lead to more problems because fast rehydration would upset the child’s potassium and sodium balance. Best is to talk to your pediatrician about what is required when rehydrating the child. Do this before giving your child any medication or electrolyte solution to rehydrate them.

• Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution with PreActiv Prebiotics
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• From the #1 pharmacist and pediatrician recommended brand for hydration
• Price: See Pricing

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• Speedlite Oral Rehydration Solution
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Gluten and BPA-free product that doesn't contain much sugar.
• Price: See Pricing

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• Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Electrolyte Drink
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Replenishes lost fluids and prevents dehydration too.
• Price: See Pricing

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• Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Electrolyte Drink
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Easy to make, just add the powder to some water.
• Price: See Pricing

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Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution with PreActiv Prebiotics

This first electrolyte solution for children is one of the best. It will provide more electrolytes to replenish the ones lost because of dehydration or other similar reasons. You can easily rehydrate your child with this electrolyte solution. It’s made with a special solution which provides advanced hydration.

The Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution with PreActiv Prebiotics contains an optimal balance of electrolytes and sugar which are needed to replace the vitamins and minerals in the body. It also contains prebiotics which helps support the health of the digestive system. The product also comes from a brand that’s recommended by pediatricians and pharmacists.

This electrolyte solution works quickly and effectively. It can also help prevent mild to moderate levels of dehydration better than water, juice or sports drinks. It’s great for adults and kids as well. There are many flavors to choose from, and you don’t have to dilute the solution.

Pros

• Contains prebiotics which supports the health of the digestive system.
• A pediatrician-recommended product which replenishes the electrolytes of babies and kids.
• Also, suitable for adults and it comes in different flavors too.

Cons

• Some say it’s too sweet for kids.
• Contains artificial coloring.

Speedlite Oral Rehydration Solution

The body’s absorption of fluids depends on the levels of electrolytes. This is what makes this electrolyte solution so effective. It contains an Encapsulated Nano-Electrolytes technology. This reduces the need for other hydration therapies especially for children who are suffering from severe dehydration. What this special technology does is it delivers the electrolytes to the body packed in nano-particles and liposomes. These consist of a phospholipid bilayer which is the same as the membranes of the gastrointestinal cells.

The Speedlyte Oral Rehydration Solution, therefore, promotes a more natural and more efficient means of absorbing electrolytes. It rehydrates the body quickly as compared to other brands and products. Also, it doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients. This means that it doesn’t contain any GMOs or synthetic colors and flavors. It’s also gluten-free, BPA-free, and low in sugar.

Pros

• Helps rehydrate the body and replenish lost electrolytes.
•  Gluten and BPA-free product that doesn’t contain much sugar.
• Also, doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients.

Cons

• Not very tasty unless chilled.
• Doesn’t have other flavors.

GoodSense Pedia Electrolyte Liquid

Here’s another great product for you to consider for your kids. If your child is vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, and more, these could lead to dehydration which is very dangerous. When this happens, you can give your little one the GoodSense Pedia Electrolyte Liquid. This will help replenish the electrolytes as well as the fluids lost because of the illnesses.

Pros

• More effective in replenishing electrolytes as compared to most beverages like juices and sports drinks.
• Helps restore the fluids and minerals lost because of vomiting and diarrhea.
• The unflavored solution that’s recommended by pediatricians.

Cons

• Contains artificial ingredients.
• Because it’s unflavored, some kids might not appreciate it.

Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Electrolyte Drink

These convenient powder sticks are easy to prepare and very effective too. They contain an advanced hydration solution made with a special formulation. The Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Electrolyte Drink has just the right balance of electrolytes and sugar to help prevent dehydration of children and adults too. Dissolve the whole packed in water then serve. It’s that easy!

Pros

• Easy to make, just add the powder to some water.
• Available in different flavors making it ideal for kids and adults.
• Replenishes lost fluids and prevents dehydration too.

Cons

• It’s fairly expensive.
• This orange flavor is quite sour.

GoodSense Pedia Electrolyte Liquid, Fruit

This electrolyte liquid, just like the others on our list, is a lot more effective for rehydration than sports drinks, juices, soft drinks, and even water. You can give your child the GoodSense Pedia Electrolyte Liquid, Fruit to help restore any lost fluids and minerals because of vomiting and diarrhea. It’s recommended by pediatricians as it can effectively help prevent dehydration. It comes in a pack of 6, and it’s also available in different flavors.

Pros

• Helps prevent dehydration in kids.
• Comes in a pack of 6.
• Available in different flavors.

Cons

• It’s not as effective as other, more well-known brands.

Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder Assorted Flavors Variety Pack

Here’s another version of the electrolyte powder sticks from Pedialyte but this time, it comes in a pack of assorted flavors. So, your child can choose which flavor to drink to rehydrate. The Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder Assorted Flavors Variety Pack includes four yummy flavors namely strawberry, apple, grape, and fruit punch. This is another great electrolyte solution which can help replenish electrolytes and fluids.

Pros

• Helps replenish fluids and electrolytes to treat and prevent dehydration.
• It also promotes more effective absorption of fluids by the body.
• Comes in a pack of 24 powder sticks with assorted flavors.

Cons

• The kids might not appreciate all the flavors.
• Some customers say it’s too sweet.

Hoist Electrolyte-Replenishing Premium Hydration Drink

This electrolyte-replenishing solution is the answer for rapid fluid and nutrient replenishment. It doesn’t contain any artificial colorings and sweeteners. The Hoist Electrolyte-Replenishing Premium Hydration Drink will keep your child’s body balanced to keep them re-energized. It’s great for kids and adults too for rehydration and a much-needed energy boost. It also contains potassium and sodium which will help speed up recovery. It’s an effective alternative to juices, water, and sports drinks.

Pros

• Replenishes electrolytes and hydrates the body.
• Suitable for children and adults.
• Available in 5 different flavors.

Cons

• May cause stomachaches.
• Some people don’t appreciate some of the flavors.

H2ORS Electrolyte Drink Powder

This is a medically formulated electrolyte solution that can be a great substitute for IV therapy. It’s effective for mild to moderate and non-acute dehydration. The H2ORS Electrolyte Drink Powder hydrates the body well no matter what the circumstance. It’s also very easy to prepare which makes it very convenient. Simply mix the powder with water, and you’re good to go!

Pros

• Easy to prepare and scientifically formulated to replenish electrolytes.
• Hydrates the body and is also suitable for various medical treatments.
• Can be given to children and adults too.

Cons

• Some don’t appreciate the flavor.
• Doesn’t have any other flavors.

Earth’s Best Organic Electrolyte Solution

This unique electrolyte solution is specifically formulated to replenish electrolytes, fluids, and zinc when a child gets dehydrated. It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors. The Earth’s Best Organic Electrolyte Solution contains just the right balance of sodium and sugar to rehydrate your child without the harmful GMOs. The organic solution is certified USDA organic as it doesn’t contain any genetically engineered ingredients.

Pros

• Organic electrolyte solution which replenishes electrolytes and fluids.
• Doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors.
• Available in 2 different flavors.

Cons

• It’s quite expensive.
• Doesn’t have a lot of customer reviews.

PediaVance Electrolyte Solution

Finally, we have the PediaVance Electrolyte Solution. This is also scientifically formulated to help treat dehydration just like all the other products on our list. It contains organic ingredients, and it even has natural flavors or apple and grape. The electrolyte solution is kosher and free of gluten, dairy, and GMO. It comes in a convenient packaging making it very easy to prepare.

Pros

• Specially formulated electrolyte solution which helps treat dehydration.
• Contains organic ingredients without the synthetics.
• Suitable for babies and children 12 months and above.

Cons

• Only available in one flavor.
• It’s quite expensive.

• Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution with PreActiv Prebiotics
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• From the #1 pharmacist and pediatrician recommended brand for hydration
• Price: See Pricing

Check on Amazon!

• Speedlite Oral Rehydration Solution
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Gluten and BPA-free product that doesn't contain much sugar.
• Price: See Pricing

Check on Amazon!

• Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Electrolyte Drink
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Replenishes lost fluids and prevents dehydration too.
• Price: See Pricing

Check on Amazon!

• Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Electrolyte Drink
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Easy to make, just add the powder to some water.
• Price: See Pricing

Check on Amazon!

Who Needs Electrolyte Solutions?

The main risk when a child vomits too often is dehydration or the loss of the body’s water volume. An accompanying fever or diarrhea can aggravate the condition. Fever can cause sweating, and as for diarrhea, it can speak for itself. Prolonged vomiting can cause the child to lose potassium, chloride, and sodium.

These minerals are important in the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of muscles, and in the regulation of the body’s fluid balance. Children, when they are sick, are bound to miss a meal or two. On the average, it will physiologically cause them no harm. However, it’s very important to let a sick child continue drinking the normal volume of daily intake plus extra fluids to compensate for the water lost.

Younger children are more prone to dehydrate because they are less efficient in conserving water. They have smaller bodies which means it takes a less fluid loss to dehydrate a child. The child may be reluctant to drink fluids because of the illness. Offer frequent sips of water or let the child suck on ice chips.

Slowly build the intake amount, starting with an ounce an hour, then two until the child’s intake would become normal again. Pediatricians will usually recommend commercially-available rehydration solutions that can replace the potassium and sodium lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. The liquid and popsicle-like forms of these products are often flavored to make them more appealing to the child.

The doctor may also advise you that the liquid should not be rushed but rather taken slowly. Older kids may opt for commercial sports drinks, but there should be caution in giving these. While it is true that these drinks can replace lost salts, they also contain large amounts of sugars which could worsen diarrhea conditions.

Children will usually prefer fluids that are flavored. If plain water cannot appeal to the child, let him/her enjoy sips of fruit juice diluted with water or flat soda. It will be time to bring the doctor in when your child is too sick to drink or is listless. Also, when he shows signs of progressive dehydration. In such cases, you should contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.

What Are the Benefits of Electrolyte Solutions?

Vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever always happen when children contracts flu and all these can result in dehydration. The loss of water in the body in such instances needs to be refilled as frequently to avoid a more severe medical condition. Children could be unpredictable when they are sick, and parents can have a hard time convincing them to drink fluids.

But this needs to be done, or dehydration can set in, especially when the child is already experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. Because the child at this point is feeling stressed, he may also be experiencing dizziness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, less urination than usual, and lack of sweating.

An electrolyte solution can replace the fluids lost. This is different from ordinary drinks because it contains electrolytes, and these will help the body in absorbing fluids, at the same time, encourages hydration. Children often have no problems drinking such because they are infused with great flavors.

Electrolytes are found in our systems and are responsible for many bodily functions. An imbalance brought about when the body is under attack can cause many symptoms to emerge. As parents, you need to act immediately. Don’t wait for your child to experience the symptoms. Rehydrate as soon as possible, especially when the child is vomiting or has diarrhea.

Electrolyte solutions, which consist of salt, sugars, and water, are used to manage fluid loss caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Aside from their replenishing role, they also help the intestines in absorbing water to prevent dehydration further. For such conditions, your doctor will most probably recommend using electrolyte solutions.

Keep in mind that there are several kinds of electrolyte solutions. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist what type could best be used for your child’s condition. Children who are sick will lose fluids and with these are electrolytes. Healthy kids get their decent supply of electrolytes when they eat their balanced diets.

If they are subjected to excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea, they will be losing an abnormal number of electrolytes which will need to be replenished by drinking electrolyte solutions to restore the minerals. Too much loss could be very dangerous. Nowadays, the replenishment of electrolytes isn’t a problem. Your neighborhood pharmacy will always have solutions in stock and most of these have been formulated especially for kids and whatever reason.

Some solutions can even contain sugars and carbohydrates which can provide extra energy which is important, especially when the child is sick. For the health-conscious people, adding those extra calories is not agreeable in an electrolyte drink. But those extra calories can boost energy which a sick child needs to recover from sickness.

It’s natural that children are more likely to get dehydrated than adults, especially under sick conditions. Diarrhea and vomiting are almost always the main culprits for dehydration. The World Health Organization always recommends immediate rehydration using oral salts. The most popular of these is Pedialyte, a child-friendly solution with flavors that appeal to children.

There is also electrolyte water formulated for infants that can help in their rehydration and the solution contains sodium, chloride, zinc, and potassium. Sugars are added to make the solution taste better and to add needed calories for the sick child. These electrolyte drinks are designed for the needs of babies. Of course, we would expect that the electrolyte contents of the drinks will vary between infants and adults.

What Are Electrolyte Solutions?

Always remind your kids to drink plenty of fluids when they are engaged in prolonged physical activities. Rehydration is important, especially for active kids. Any normal movement can already cause us to lose body fluids through sweating, urination, and even breathing. What more for extra physical exertions? We can replace the lost fluids through drinking and eating.

Getting sick or exercising ourselves to extremes can make us lose huge amounts of water. Ditto with fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea. If there is no adequate replacement of lost fluids, then dehydration will be the consequence.

Parents should be cognizant of the fact that children cannot do it themselves, meaning rehydrating. Always make sure that the kids are properly hydrated when they are involved in strenuous activities. Kids themselves may be unaware that they are losing water when playing or when exposed to hot summer days. They may not even know about rehydration. The parent must provide the necessary fluids during such conditions.

Don’t attempt to treat your children yourselves in case of severe dehydration. They will need immediate attention. Bring them to the hospital where they can be rehydrated intravenously. In milder cases, you can always give the child an electrolyte solution as recommended by your pediatrician.

In the case of breastfed babies, they are less likely to develop severe diarrhea. They can continue to be breastfed and giving them an additional electrolyte solution will be at the doctor’s discretion if they will need it. Frequent breastfeeding alone can ensure that the baby can remain hydrated.

After about 12-24 hours of administering electrolyte solutions to the child and there is a decrease in diarrhea, start expanding the child’s diet to include such foods as pears, applesauce, bananas and flavored gelatin. The goal here is to return to his usual diet over the next few days. Never use force.

Give the foods as your child will tolerate it. Milk could be withheld for a day or two for kids who are aged one and above. For those on formula, mix the formula with twice as much water to make it half-strength. Do this until diarrhea decreases, then return to the normal full-strength.

When the vomiting and diarrhea improves, your child can start to eat small amounts of bland foods like toast, potatoes, cereals, and rice. They should gradually move on to their age-appropriate diets as soon as possible. Continue with the electrolyte replacement solution if your child is still not taking the normal fluids amounts. Or if your child is agreeable to the solution, continue giving it.

You need to inform your pediatrician if your child has another medical condition or the child is taking some medications routinely. Tell the doctor how long diarrhea has persisted with your child showing no improvements. Also, inform the doctor the other issues where you have cause to worry.

How to Safely Prepare Electrolyte Solutions for Your Child?

Preparing an electrolyte solution will need proper care. First, wash your hands with water and soap or make use of a sanitizer. Aside from the electrolyte solution, continue hydrating the child with breast milk and juices. Babies over four months old can be given their regular food intake. For each day, make a fresh electrolyte solution if it’s still needed.

In case your child vomits, wait for about 10 minutes before giving the solution. Rehydrating babies is not to be taken lightly. Also, bear in mind that the solution doesn’t stop diarrhea but simply prevents dehydration caused by diarrhea. When you notice that your baby is recovering from dehydration, be sure your child is given plenty of rest, a healthy diet and lots of TLC.

What Are Healthy Alternatives to Electrolyte Solutions If They Aren’t Available?

Take your baby to the pediatrician if the ingredients to make an electrolyte solution are not readily available at hand or the chemist. The doctor can recommend an alternate solution, and there are many which have been used by mothers over the years. Never put your baby at risk when it comes to dehydration.

There are some traditional remedies that can be effective electrolyte solutions. They are suitable drinks that can prevent your child from losing too much water because of diarrhea. These include breast milk, carrot soup, congee, a simple mixture of salt and sugar, a diluted mixture of cereals and water, or coconut water.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind

Components of the Electrolyte Solution

When choosing the best electrolyte solution, consider those with the most supplements and other essential elements. These supplements are present for one reason, for hydration. Aside from that, the solutions also contain salts and other compounds to compensate for those that were lost. Choose, therefore, electrolyte solutions that can restore the greatest amounts of vitamins and electrolytes.

If you opt for electrolytes in powdered form, consider the dissolving properties of the product. Make sure that when preparing the solution, the powder should be easily dissolved in the solvent which can either be milk, water or some other liquid of your choice. Not all those offered in powdered form have the desired solubility you may be expecting.

High-quality powder dissolves fast in a solvent. Low-quality ones will not and may leave you with lumps that won’t dissolve which could be difficult to consume.

Absorption and Digestion of the Electrolyte Solution

Another important factor to consider about electrolyte solutions is their property to be easily digested and absorbed. These factors should not be overlooked because the speed by which the solution can be assimilated into the body will determine the rate of recovery. Since the contents of solutions include electrolytes and nutrients needed by the body, the ease of digestion and absorption obviously will determine the product’s quality and effectiveness.

Of course, the product of choice should also not cause side effects. Take some time to research on the product’s effectiveness by reading customer reviews. Solutions that are too complex to digest might involve some side effects, especially in children. The logical thing to do is to choose the solution that can easily be digested and absorbed as these are important to prevent further dehydration.

Price and Convenience of the Electrolyte Solution

You may spend more money if you want the best electrolyte solution for your child. Best quality usually translates to bigger prices. But this is for your loved ones, so money should not be a concern. What you need to be concerned about is the product you are buying, whether it would meet the requirements for your child’s condition.

Also, higher prices, don’t necessarily mean the best product. There are electrolyte solutions that are fairly priced and still have enough of the features that you’re looking for. Consider the number of servings that each product offers about prices. Especially for powdered products, look for one who could give you the most amount of service at the best price.

Also, think of the convenience factor. Customers will usually prefer products that will need less effort and more ease in preparing them. It would be nice to have electrolyte solutions in pouches, bottles or envelopes because they can be prepared with ease and furthermore, can be carried everywhere.

Powdered electrolytes are most convenient. They can be prepared and served with ease without much struggle. People would tend to shun away from products that require strict instructions for preparation. For instance, an instruction for preparing the solution using a blender or a special shaking glass could turn off the customer.

If you were on a road trip, how can you make the solution without a blender? In conclusion, choose a powdered electrolyte that can use accessible liquids instead of specific drink. And choose one that can easily dissolve in water without the use of a blender.

Flavor of the Electrolyte Solution

The subject of flavored electrolytes is still debatable. Some say that giving the solution some flavor is an important factor as it makes it easier for the child to drink it because of the appealing flavor. Others, however, don’t agree. They find flavorings irrelevant but consider more the features of the solution meeting specific quality standards.

There are those who choose to purchase unflavored electrolyte solutions, and they would add the flavoring of their choice. They may also be doing this for the savings. The main focus when buying any product is that the product should meet the high-quality standards.

This applies to electrolyte solutions as well, and even its flavoring should meet such standards. Natural flavorings, of course, will always trump artificial flavors because the latter contain a lot of sugars and other unhealthy components. If you had no choice but to buy artificially-flavored solutions, at least choose those that don’t include harmful components which may cause indigestion undesired side effects.

Availability and Popularity of the Electrolyte Solution

Learn everything about the product you are about to buy. Find out about their availability, popularity, and distribution. Branded products usually would take the upper hand on these features as they are readily found at your nearest drugstore. New products will have limited distribution, making their accessibility difficult.

Some products could be exclusive, and their access could only be made online. This would entail more charges. First, the product, being exclusive, would mean it’s more expensive. Then you’ll be charged more for transportation or shipping. If a product can enhance its distribution network, it can gain popularity faster and thus can increase its availability.

Even if a product had great hydrating features and loaded with valuable components, it may not even be considered by a consumer if the product is not accessible. Compare this to a drink that is not that great but is available at any grocery store. The consumer would certainly opt for the latter.

• Pedialyte AdvancedCare Electrolyte Solution with PreActiv Prebiotics
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• From the #1 pharmacist and pediatrician recommended brand for hydration
• Price: See Pricing

Check on Amazon!

• Speedlite Oral Rehydration Solution
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Gluten and BPA-free product that doesn't contain much sugar.
• Price: See Pricing

Check on Amazon!

• Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Electrolyte Drink
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Replenishes lost fluids and prevents dehydration too.
• Price: See Pricing

Check on Amazon!

• Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Electrolyte Drink
• Our rating
  ★ ★ ★ ★
• Easy to make, just add the powder to some water.
• Price: See Pricing

Check on Amazon!

Conclusion

Parents can also have their share of trauma when their child is in danger of dehydration. The constant vomiting and diarrhea discharges could certainly make them run to their pediatrician. Nobody wants their children to undergo such stress. Hydration is the best solution to replenish the lost valuable fluids and electrolytes brought about by the child’s condition. Body fluids and electrolytes are important for the body to function normally.

Electrolyte solutions consist mainly of salt, water, and sugars. They manage fluid loss caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Aside from their replenishing role, they also help the intestines in absorbing water to prevent dehydration further. To learn more about which solution is best for your child, consult with your pediatrician. Observations and tests can make the doctor determine the best electrolyte solution for your kid.

Check out more info on Electrolyte Solution here:

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