Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)

When a child has diarrhea or is vomiting, it is important to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORSs) are used to prevent or correct dehydration in young children. ORSs contain the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium, and other minerals to help replace lost fluids. Several products, such as Pedialyte, Infalyte, and Rehydralyte, are available.

In the first 4 to 6 hours after diarrhea or vomiting has started, give your child the following amount of ORS.

Treating your child's dehydration

Child's weight	Mild dehydration	Moderate dehydration
6lb	4.5fl oz	9fl oz
8lb	6fl oz	12fl oz
10lb	7.5fl oz	15fl oz
12lb	9fl oz	18fl oz
14lb	10.5fl oz	21fl oz
16lb	12fl oz	24fl oz
18lb	13.5fl oz	27fl oz
20lb	15fl oz	30fl oz
22lb	16.5fl oz	33fl oz
24lb	18fl oz	36fl oz
26lb	19.5fl oz	39fl oz
28lb	21fl oz	42fl oz
30lb	22.5fl oz	45fl oz
32lb	24fl oz	48fl oz
34lb	25.5fl oz	51fl oz

Allow your child to drink as much fluid as he or she wants. Small amounts at frequent intervals are usually better tolerated. Replace any additional fluid lost through diarrhea or vomiting.

Watch for signs of dehydration. If your child develops signs of dehydration, increase the amount of fluid you are giving.