Pedialyte for a 7-Month-Old Infant
Pedialyte is safe and effective for a 7-month-old infant with mild to moderate dehydration, and is recommended as a first-line oral rehydration solution (ORS) for infants with diarrhea or vomiting. 1, 2
Dosing Guidelines for 7-Month-Old Infants
- For infants under 10 kg (which typically includes 7-month-olds), administer 60-120 mL of Pedialyte for each diarrheal stool or vomiting episode, up to approximately 500 mL per day 1, 2
- Start with small volumes (5 mL every minute) using a spoon or syringe if the infant is vomiting, and gradually increase the amount as tolerated 1, 2
- For mild dehydration (3-5% fluid deficit), give 50 mL/kg of Pedialyte over 2-4 hours 1, 2
- For moderate dehydration (6-9% fluid deficit), give 100 mL/kg of Pedialyte over 2-4 hours 1, 2
Administration Tips
- Continue breastfeeding throughout the illness if the infant is breastfed 1, 3
- If the infant is formula-fed, resume normal feeding immediately after rehydration is complete 1, 3
- Replace ongoing losses with Pedialyte as long as diarrhea or vomiting continues 1, 2
- If the infant refuses to drink or cannot keep fluids down, seek immediate medical attention 2
Safety and Effectiveness
- Pedialyte is specifically formulated with appropriate electrolyte concentrations for infants and children 1, 4
- Clinical studies have shown Pedialyte to be effective for rehydrating infants with mild to moderate dehydration without requiring intravenous fluids 4
- Do not substitute with sports drinks, juices, or soft drinks, which have inappropriate electrolyte content and high sugar concentrations 1, 3
Warning Signs to Seek Immediate Medical Care
- Severe dehydration (lethargy, decreased urine output, dry mouth, sunken eyes) 1, 2
- Persistent vomiting that prevents oral rehydration 1, 2
- Bloody diarrhea or high fever 3
- Worsening symptoms despite oral rehydration attempts 2, 5
Monitoring Response
- Assess hydration status by monitoring urine output, alertness, and skin turgor 2
- If dehydration persists after the initial rehydration period, reassess and consider medical evaluation 1, 2
- Successful oral rehydration typically requires the infant to tolerate at least 15-20 mL/kg of ORS 5
Pedialyte provides appropriate electrolyte balance and is specifically designed for infants, making it a safe choice for a 7-month-old experiencing diarrhea or vomiting when used according to the recommended guidelines 1, 2, 4.