Mesquite Pediatrics Blog

This is a technique of giving fluids to a young child who has been vomiting that often will allow you to get some fluids into their system and thereby alleviate the vomiting and avoid dehydration (and the emergency room). It does not work for every child, but it does work for most.

If your child has been vomiting repeatedly for a long time, appears dehydrated, is lethargic or poorly responsive, or just looks to you like he or she is very sick and worrisome, please seek medical attention (come see us or go to an emergency room) instead of trying this vomiting cure.

However, if your child is not very ill, try following the instructions below. Don’t be tempted to use Gatorade or other sports drinks instead of Pediatlyte (or a generic equivalent). Sports drinks contain too much sugar and not enough salt to hydrate appropriately so they don’t work as well and they also can cause diarrhea, which is a problem you probably don’t want right now.

• Give 1 teaspoon of Pedialyte (or a generic equivalent) every 10 minutes for 1 hour.
• Then give 2 teaspoons every 10 minutes for 1 hour.
• Then give 4 teaspoons every 10 minutes for 1 hour.

If your child tolerates this without vomiting:

• You can now give 2 to 3 ounces at a time in a cup or bottle for your child to work on at their own pace with some encouragement to take frequent sips.

If your child is able to take another 8-12 ounces of Pedialyte without vomiting:

• You can start with some bland foods and a little bit of milk, and increase what you give him or her over the next day or so.

If your child vomits:

• Wait 30 minutes without giving anything and start over.
• If you have to start over 3 times and your child is still vomiting, then call us.
• If your child does not urinate at least 4 times in 24 hours, then call us.