Whether it’s your baby’s first bout of the stomach flu, or your toddler’s fourth time catching it this year, all moms can agree that it’s a horrible feeling to see your child sick and uncomfortable. A quick phone call to the pediatrician and a Google search will point us all in the same direction for rehydration: using Pedialyte for infants. It’s practically synonymous with childhood.
When a child, or even an adult, is sick with a stomach virus, we lose electrolytes. But should Pedialyte for infants be our first defense? Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the bottle of Pedialyte for infants? We at Daily Mom did some research on why you should consider an alternative Pedialyte and what kind to use.
Why Do We Need Electrolytes?
So, what are these electrolytes that we need to replenish? Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They are essential to the body, as their presence is necessary for the movement of nutrients and the elimination of waste from cells. Electrolytes also play a key role in hydration, aiding in the balance of water in and out of cells, maintaining blood volume, and controlling the pH levels of bodily fluids.
Common electrolytes found in the body include sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. These electrolytes can be found in many foods and drinks, such as juice, sports drinks, and bananas. A deficiency in electrolytes can cause fatigue, confusion, and dizziness. It is important to make sure you are consuming enough electrolytes in your diet to maintain healthy bodily functions.
So when we sweat from a fever when we’re sick, we are losing electrolytes. We also lose electrolytes from both ends during the stomach flu, from vomiting and diarrhea. In order to get our bodies functioning properly again, we need our electrolyte levels back at optimal levels. Pedialyte for infants and kids, and Gatorade for adults are two popular methods for replacing the electrolytes lost during sickness. However, they are not the only methods. It may be time to try a Pedialyte alternative.
What Is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is a medical-grade hydration product that provides essential electrolytes and fluids to help prevent dehydration in both adults and children. It is the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand for rehydration and provides a fast and effective solution to combat dehydration due to illness, heat exhaustion, or simply not drinking enough fluids. It’s created to help your body’s natural balance, providing the electrolytes and fluids you need to get back to feeling your best while also helping you to get and stay hydrated, no matter what life throws your way.
Unfortunately, the classic Pedialyte contains artificial sweeteners such as sucralose (Splenda) and Acesulfame Potassium (chemically similar to saccharin), as well as artificial flavorings & colorings. While, yes, it certainly works better for rehydration than soda, apple juice, Gatorade, or water, added and unnecessary sugars and coloring are the last things you want to give a sick kid. You spend all of that money on organic foods for your kiddos, so it does not make much sense to fill them with all of the things you normally avoid when your little ones are at their weakest.
Read More: Boo-Boos to Belly Aches: A Parent’s Guide To The ER
On top of all that, Pedialyte is pretty darn expensive! It becomes even more costly to purchase Pedialyte for babies 6 months old and up, especially when you have more than one sick kid, which as many parents know, is only a matter of time before another child catches it.
So what’s an all-natural mama to do? A Pedialyte for infants alternative is a simple solution to this issue! Lucky for you, we at Daily Mom are here to help with 3 natural ways to help rehydrate your sick children with a Pediatlyte alternative. (These alternatives also work for grown-ups, so no need to keep drinking Gatorade when sick.)
Alternative Rehydration Methods
One of the biggest purposes of Pedialyte is to replace electrolytes lost from the body during sicknesses such as prolonged diarrhea and vomiting. However, many people who practice holistic approaches to medication stay far away from electrolyte-replenishing drinks such as Pedialyte and Gatorade due to the additives and sugar. Although electrolytes are important to the body, it has been found that there are actually several alternative methods to regaining electrolytes.
The top three homemade alternative recipes of Pedialyte for infants are not only simple to make but taste delicious too. Each recipe uses natural ingredients, many of which you most likely already have at home in your pantry.
Pedialyte Alternative #1: Coconut water
Coconut water is the easiest Pedialyte alternative and a natural way to help your dehydrated child. Full of fluid-balancing potassium and sodium, it’s nature’s solution for sick tummies. Coconut water is low in sugar and high in electrolytes, which is the perfect recipe for your sick child. Additionally, you can also add a pinch of salt for an added electrolyte boost, but be sure to do so in moderation.
Not only does coconut water help when your child is sick, but it has antioxidant properties to keep your children in good health. When using coconut water as an alternative to Pedialyte, be sure to take into account the taste preferences of your child. While it may be a natural and healthful option, if your child doesn’t like the taste, they may not drink enough to rehydrate. You can make coconut water sweeter by adding a few drops of honey to the beverage, or you can opt for other natural ingredients like lemon or lime juice to give it a twist.
One cup of coconut water contains 46 calories and the following:
- Carbs: 9 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Vitamin C: 10% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 15% of the RDI
- Manganese: 17% of the RDI
- Potassium: 17% of the RDI
- Sodium: 11% of the RDI
- Calcium: 6% of the RDI
It has the power to rehydrate better than sports drinks or water, and with a slightly sweet, mild taste that even the sickest child may enjoy. Many companies are now adding various natural fruit flavorings to coconut water, which makes it even tastier! This Pedialyte alternative comes pre-bottled, so it is just as easy as grabbing Pedialyte off the shelf.
Read More: DIY Coconut Oil And Baking Soda Facial
Pedialyte Alternative #2: DIY Simple & Sweet
If your kids do not like the taste of coconut water, or perhaps you just need to stay busy in the kitchen because you are going a little stir-crazy with the sickness in your house, here is a simple and sweet Pedialyte alternative recipe for replacing electrolytes.
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (helps neutralize stomach acid and soothe upset tummies)
- 3 tablespoons agave syrup/sugar/honey (use honey only if your child is over age 1)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- optional: natural drink mix, to taste (check Whole Foods or the natural section of your supermarket)
Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! Lasts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Read More: 6 Manuka Honey Uses To Try Today
Pedialyte Alternative #3: DIY Orange-Licious
Sometimes you get sick of drinking the same thing over and over, especially if that is the only thing you are able to stomach during your sickness. Like the simple and sweet recipe above, this drink focuses on adding electrolytes along with the deligthful taste of orange juice. Change up the Pedialyte for infants alternative electrolyte replenishment formula with this citrus recipe.
- 2 quarts water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (helps neutralize stomach acid and soothe upset tummies)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons agave syrup/sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup orange juice
Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! Lasts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
While we hope your children stay cold and stomach-flu-free this winter season, these natural and easy alternative remedies to Pedialyte for infants are sure to be helpful in case your little ones catch a bug! Not only will they save you time and money by not having to run to the grocery store and purchase an expensive product every time you run out, but you will be able to know exactly what ingredients you are giving your child.
Photo credit: Cookies For Breakfast
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