More than once I have heard of newsbits on tv or on the radio talk about children dying because of dehydration. Most often our kids are put at risk when they are hit by extremely high fever, vomiting or diarrhea that may be caused by a viral infection.

When kids experience frequent vomiting and diarrhea, most of the time they refuse to eat or even drink milk… maybe because they feel sick or mostly they feel that whatever they take will just as easily come out again. My eldest is the most stubborn of my kids. It is very difficult to make him eat or drink anything when he is sick - and that includes water. So I get triple times scared everytime he has an episode of vomiting. My doctor always advises to keep my kid rehydrated with Pedialyte.

I recall that Pedialyte has a distinct taste that will make you instantly think “medicine”. I guess that is why kids do not like it.

But these times are easier. Pedialyte is now sold in different flavors. The ones I saw being sold in Mercury Drug were flavored orange and cherry. My bunso loves it so much.

So how can moms prevent dehydration in children?

The key words are fluid replacement. Rehydration. Pedialyte, or oral rehydration salts dissolved in water are suitable fluid replacements for young children. Kids older than two years can be given alternatives such as flat soda or Gatorade. Vomiting will not stop immediately but if it continues for more than 24 hours then it is better to seek the appropriate medical treatment.

It is heart breaking for parents to see their kids in so much pain. Always I have to keep back my tears because my kids need my strength more than my crying. But serious sickness or even death can be avoided as long as we stay vigilant about our children’s health.