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.
| Child's weight | Mild dehydration | Moderate dehydration |
|---|---|---|
|
6 lb (3 kg) |
4.5 fl oz (133 mL) |
9 fl oz (266 mL) |
|
8 lb (4 kg) |
6 fl oz (177 mL) |
12 fl oz (355 mL) |
|
10 lb (4.5 kg) |
7.5 fl oz (222 mL) |
15 fl oz (444 mL) |
|
12 lb (5 kg) |
9 fl oz (266 mL) |
18 fl oz (532 mL) |
|
14 lb (6 kg) |
10.5 fl oz (312 mL) |
21 fl oz (621 mL) |
|
16 lb (7 kg) |
12 fl oz (355 mL) |
24 fl oz (710 mL) |
|
18 lb (8 kg) |
13.5 fl oz (399 mL) |
27 fl oz (800 mL) |
|
20 lb (9 kg) |
15 fl oz (444 mL) |
30 fl oz (887 mL) |
|
22 lb (10 kg) |
16.5 fl oz (488 mL) |
33 fl oz (976 mL) |
|
24 lb (11 kg) |
18 fl oz (532 mL) |
36 fl oz (1 L) |
|
26 lb (12 kg) |
19.5 fl oz (577 mL) |
39 fl oz (1 L) |
|
28 lb (13 kg) |
21 fl oz (621 mL) |
42 fl oz (1 L) |
|
30 lb (14 kg) |
22.5 fl oz (665 mL) |
45 fl oz (1 L) |
|
32 lb (14.5 kg) |
24 fl oz (710 mL) |
48 fl oz (1 L) |
|
34 lb (15 kg) |
25.5 fl oz (754 mL) |
51 fl oz (2 L) |
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.
Last Updated: June 19, 2009
Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
