Dehydration happens when there is not enough water in the body. In children, it is often caused by vomiting, diarrhea, or not wanting to drink because of mouth sores or a sore throat. Kids can also get dehydrated when they do a lot of physical activity, especially in hot weather.

Give plenty of liquids and an oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte® or a store brand) as recommended by your health care provider to help your child recover from dehydration. You can buy the oral electrolyte solution at drugstores or supermarkets without a prescription.

Here's how to take care of your child.

• Offer your child plenty of liquids. Follow your health care provider's instructions on what liquids your child should drink. 
• If your health care provider recommends giving your child oral electrolyte solution:
  • Start with 5–10 mL (1–2 teaspoons) every few minutes. You can offer it to older kids in a regular cup. For younger children, or for kids who are having trouble drinking enough, it may be helpful to use a small cup, spoon, or syringe. You can also offer electrolyte ice pops.
  • After 1 hour, if your child is doing well, give 15–20 mL (3–4 teaspoons) at a time.
  • Continue to give this amount every 5 minutes for the next hour or two until your child is peeing as usual. 
  • If your child vomits again, start over with 5–10 mL of oral electrolyte solution every 5–10 minutes.
• You will know that your child is staying hydrated (getting enough liquids) if they:
  • Have a moist mouth
  • Are peeing at least every 6–8 hours and the pee is light yellow
  • Have plenty of tears if they cry
• You also can give frozen electrolyte pops (brand names include Pedialyte®; many stores have a store brand), shaved ice, and flavored gelatin. 
• It may take a few days for your child's appetite to come back. If your child is drinking plenty of fluids and peeing every 6–8 hours, it's OK if they aren't eating solid foods.
• You can give less oral electrolyte solution and then stop giving it if your child is eating and drinking more and has no signs of dehydration.
• If you can't get an oral electrolyte solution, talk to your health care provider. There are other liquids that you can give to help your child.
• Don't give sports drinks, soda, or full-strength (undiluted) juice. They have too much sugar and can make some symptoms worse.
• If your health care provider prescribed any medicines, give them to your child as directed. 
• If your child has a fever, check with your health care provider if it's OK to give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). 
• Don't give aspirin to kids since it's been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Your child:

• Gets new or worsening symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Has been on the oral electrolyte solution for 24 hours and is still not taking other liquids 
• Is still not eating solid foods 3–4 days after the visit
• Has belly pain or other pain

Your child:

• Isn't drinking at all or has signs of dehydration, such as a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, extreme thirst, less pee than usual, darker pee than usual, little or no tears when crying, or decreased alertness
• Is vomiting again and again or has vomit that's bright green, red, or brown

You know your child best. If your child has symptoms that worry you or seems very sick, call your health care provider or take your child to the ER.

How can I prevent dehydration? It helps to:

• Give extra liquids or oral electrolyte solution when your child is sick and not drinking as much as they usually do. Give small amounts often, especially if your child is vomiting.
• Make sure that kids drink often during hot weather, especially before, during (about every 20 minutes), and after physical activity. If they are peeing at least every 6–8 hours and the pee is light yellow, they are probably getting enough liquids.

How do oral electrolyte solutions help keep someone hydrated? These solutions contain a balanced mix of water, electrolytes (sodium, chloride, and potassium), and sugars (glucose). They give someone the fluids they need and replace the liquids and electrolytes that are lost through diarrhea or vomiting. This helps prevent or treat dehydration and keep the body's electrolytes balanced. 

Is dehydration dangerous? Mild dehydration in healthy children usually isn't dangerous. But dehydration that gets more severe can cause the body to shut down and can even become life-threatening.