Is 3 litres of fluid excessive in a two and a half year old?
How Much Daily Fluid Intake Should A Toddler Have?
As long as the child has free access to water, they will usually drink as much as they need. If they have had a vomitting bug the general advice is to give them a little sip of water (and ONLY water, rehydrating solution or breastmilk) ever 5 minutes. This will starve out the bug and keep them hydrated. If your child is listless, has sunken fontanelle (the non-bony parts on top of the skull that should be firm) or circles under their eyes, they may well be dehydrated. Take medical advice urgently (Dial NHS Direct=0845 4647).
Most toddlers should have 1 pint (20 fluid ounces) of milk every day, or substitutes (like butter, cheese). They should have (American advice) no more than 4 ounces of pure juice every day. That can be 28 ounces of fluid diluted 1 part pure juice to 6 parts water. Fruit juice isn't nutritious enough to be an important part of their diet.
Most toddlers should have 1 pint (20 fluid ounces) of milk every day, or substitutes (like butter, cheese). They should have (American advice) no more than 4 ounces of pure juice every day. That can be 28 ounces of fluid diluted 1 part pure juice to 6 parts water. Fruit juice isn't nutritious enough to be an important part of their diet.
Most answers here are incorrect, if a toddler is vomiting....without diarrhea; water, gatorade, pedialyte, juice, or whatever fluid they will accept is good at this point. If they are vomiting with diarrhea pedialyte or gatorade are best....but water or juice is NEVER bad in these instances. I am an RN an know that any kind of fluid(besides probably milk which will just increase vomiting) during times of excess fluid loss are a good idea to push into little ones. This will keep you away from the ER and avoid a needle stick. Give them whatever they will drink at this point!
I too am an RN and don't agree with the Gatorade!! The electrolytes in it are designed to replenish an ADULT, not a toddler. It actually says on the warning that children under 12 should not drink it!! I do agree with Pedialyte however, but would dilute it if you are dealing with an infant or small toddler! Also try things that are made with fluid too, eg soups, jello, etc, however jello is full of sugar also!!
It is really hard to cause water intoxication in anyone, though I do agree that pedialyte is best for electrolyte replacement, water can also be given.
Pure coconut juice has more electrolytes than the artificial drinks like pedialyte; plus no fake sweeteners...it's great.
I certainly wouldnt give my child sprite but do agree that they need electrolytes and gatorade is not a good way to go either as it is loaded with high fructose corn syrup! Pedialyte and pedialyte popcicles ate the best.
