Starting Age for Pedialyte
Pedialyte can be started at any age, including in newborns, when signs of dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting are present. There is no minimum age restriction for oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte. 1
Age-Specific Guidance
Infants Under 6 Months
- Pedialyte may be administered from birth onward when dehydration occurs, with successful rehydration documented even in newborns with severe dehydration. 1, 2
- Infants under 6 months should receive only breast milk or formula as routine nutrition; there is no indication to give Pedialyte (or any other fluid) to a healthy infant without dehydration. 3
- Do not introduce Pedialyte as a routine beverage—it is a medical treatment for dehydration, not a nutritional supplement. 1
Infants 6–12 Months
- Continue the same principle: Pedialyte is indicated only when dehydration is present or imminent (e.g., infant with diarrhea and/or more than 8 watery stools in 24 hours, or more than 4 vomiting episodes in 24 hours). 4
- Breast milk or formula remains the sole nutritional source; solid foods may be introduced per standard feeding guidelines, but Pedialyte is reserved for illness. 3
Children Over 12 Months
- After 12 months, Pedialyte remains the appropriate rehydration solution when acute gastroenteritis causes fluid loss. 1
- Fruit juice should be limited to 4 ounces/day in toddlers 1–3 years and is never appropriate for rehydration because it contains inadequate sodium (1–3 mEq/L vs. the 20–40 mEq/L lost in diarrheal stool) and excessive sugar that worsens osmotic diarrhea. 3, 1
Dosing by Clinical Scenario
Prevention (No Dehydration Present)
- For infants and toddlers without clinical dehydration but experiencing diarrhea, give 50–100 mL of Pedialyte after each loose stool to replace ongoing losses. 1, 5
Mild Dehydration (3–5% Fluid Deficit)
- Administer 50 mL/kg of Pedialyte over 2–4 hours. For a 7 kg infant, this equals approximately 350 mL total. 1, 5
Moderate Dehydration (6–9% Fluid Deficit)
- Administer 100 mL/kg of Pedialyte over 2–4 hours. For a 7 kg infant, this equals approximately 700 mL total. 1, 5
- Start with very small volumes (5 mL every 1–2 minutes) using a spoon or syringe, especially if vomiting is present, then gradually increase as tolerated. 1, 6
Severe Dehydration (≥10% Fluid Deficit)
- Requires immediate intravenous rehydration with 20 mL/kg boluses of normal saline or Ringer's lactate until perfusion and mental status normalize; transition to Pedialyte once the child is stable. 1, 5
Critical Feeding Instructions
- Continue breastfeeding without interruption throughout the illness; breast milk provides both hydration and nutrition. 1, 5
- Resume full-strength formula immediately after the initial 2–4 hour rehydration period; do not dilute formula. 1, 5
- Return to a normal age-appropriate diet (cereals, starches, yogurt, fruits, vegetables) as soon as rehydration is achieved; "bowel rest" is not indicated and delays recovery. 1, 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never substitute sports drinks, apple juice, or soda for Pedialyte—these have inappropriate electrolyte composition and high osmolality that can worsen diarrhea. 1, 5
- Do not use Pedialyte as a routine beverage in healthy children; it is a medical rehydration solution, not a daily drink. 1
- Do not delay feeding after rehydration is complete; early refeeding supports intestinal recovery and prevents malnutrition. 1, 5
- Do not give anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide) to children under 18 years—these are absolutely contraindicated due to risks of respiratory depression and cardiac adverse events. 5
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate medical attention if the infant or child develops: 1, 5
- Severe lethargy or altered mental status
- Inability to retain any Pedialyte despite proper small-volume administration
- Signs of severe dehydration (sunken eyes, no tears, no urine for >8 hours, cool extremities)
- Bloody diarrhea
- High fever
- Worsening condition despite appropriate home management