Is Pedialyte OK for kids?
Written from AAP, federal and National Academies guidance and checked against each source. Medical review by a pediatric registered dietitian is in progress. Updated November 2026.
When sick overall
Quick answer
Yes, when a child is dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea. Nemours KidsHealth says the best liquid for dehydrated kids is an oral rehydration solution, like Pedialyte or Enfalyte. It's for sick days, not every day.9
Pick your child's age for a personal answer
By age
| Age | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Ask first | Ask your pediatrician first. Don't swap in plain water.9 |
| 1 to 4 years | OK | When sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Small amounts, often.9 |
| 5 to 10 years | OK | When sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Small amounts, often.9 |
| 11 to 18 years | OK | When sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Small amounts, often.9 |
Good to know
- Give a small amount every 5 minutes or so and keep track. Babies and toddlers can start with 10 ml (2 teaspoons) and older kids with 15 ml (1 tablespoon).9
- Don't give sports drinks, soda or full-strength juice. They have too much sugar and can make some symptoms worse.9
- Call your doctor if your child won't take anything for more than a few hours, vomits more than a few times in 24 hours, or still shows signs of dehydration after you've tried.9
Try instead
See our full sick-day drink guide and the signs of dehydration.
Have the bottle in your hand? Check it with the label checker.
Common questions
Can kids drink Pedialyte every day?
It's made for replacing fluids during illness. For everyday hydration, water and milk are better. Ask your pediatrician if you think your child needs it regularly.