My 19 month old just experienced her first tummy virus, and although she seems to be over it, she is refusing to eat and drink as she normally would...she seems to be scared. I'm concerned that she isn't drinking enough to rehydrate (and she really doesn't like pedialyte). I would appreciate any suggestions (or sneaky ways) to help her take in some fluids, and any tips you might have on how to calm her fears.
Thanks!!
Thank you to everyone who responded to my request...I tried many of your suggestions, in the end she liked regular popsicles and Italian ice the best. I also added extra water or juice to her food, and that worked too. Also, we played 'drinking games' - I had a cup of water and would take a loud sip, and she would mimick me with her bottle...very cute!
It took a week until she got back into her usual drinking routine...but even now she STILL refuses to drink out of her sippy cup!!! (the last thing she had before she was sick was water out of a sippy cup) So, we're back to using bottles for now...I'll try to reintroduce sippy cups in another week or so.
Thanks again!
I am having the same problem. I took my son for his well visit and that night he was sick. It's almost a week and he still seems to not want to eat. Hope she's gets better.
my daughter has always hated pedialyte too. you might do some research on the web to find a better tasting make it yourself version. i usually just give her watered down juice, it's something she doesn't get very often so it's a treat for her and she's happy to drink it.
HI T.
Your daughters stomach is still in limbo from her illness. Give her a teaspoon of liquid every half hour to ensure she is receiving fluids to prevent dehydration. Still have a sippy cup available with fluids near her to take a sip here and there. Just as long as she can produce tears and has wet diapers, you do not have to worry.
M. M
if you think your child can handle it, chewing gum is something young kids want and it helps get the saliva going. I had the same problem with my 20 month old (many years ago) and it's not a terrible thing if she swallows it.
Popsicles are a great way - also if she'll eat them - fruits with lots of water in them like grapes, watermelon, etc...
PEDIALYTE ICE-POPS!!! My son is 3 and my daughter is 1.. they JUST got over the virus 2 days ago... They are allowed to have up to 6 pops a day.. thats what the dr. told me .. the box might tell you differently... but i'm sure your baby will love them!!!
Hi T.,
When my litlle one had his first tummy virus I was frantic to keep him hydrated. What worked for us besides pedialite popsicles was to give him a dropper full of 7-up every 5 mins or so. Our pediatrician told us to do this and it worked. It is very tedious but effective. It was the only thing he could keep down. Also I would try to act as normally as you can even though you may be very concerned. The little ones pick up on our energy so easily. Maybe do something with her she really enjoys...sing her songs, read to her, watch her favorite show or dvd...basically reassure her she will be alright and you are right there like you always are. :)
Good luck!
T.
Have you tried the frozen pops by pedialyte? Give them a try. Anything frozen is good. Ice chips in a cup, shake the chips so it sounds like fun, sing and dance, shake the cup and spoon some into your mouth and then hers. Make the crunching fun even. Freeze diluted juice in ice cube trays, cover with plastic, carefully poke toothpicks through and in a few hours you'll have ice pops of her favorite juice. The dollar stores also have ready made plastic popsicle makers. Have a licking contest or 1 lick for you, one lick for mommy. Remember, nothing is more intimidating to a child than having to drink liquid after a tummy virus. Just make it fun and she'll come around. Itallian ice is also good and jello. If you don't care for the sugar content, get the sugar free or dilute the regular jello more than usual and make shapes. Good luck!
The most natural way to rehydrate is coconut water. Coconut water is actually sterile- it has saved lives when used intravenously as i.v. fluid right from the coconut- and has great electrolytes, nature's perfect drink! Most drinks that are commonly suggested contain dyes and preservatives... but not coconut water, which is becoming popular in the health section of the grocery store, see if you can find some when she's willing to drink. I think homemade popsicles would be the ticket to start her rehydrating again.
I'd try gatorade or the generic version of it, or flat pop. Good luck!
