What to give a sick child to drink
When a child is throwing up or has diarrhea, the goal is simple: small amounts, often, of the right drink.
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.
If your child is very sleepy or isn't responding, get emergency medical care. Call your doctor if your child shows signs of dehydration, and ask your pediatrician about any sick baby. See the signs.
Quick answer
The best liquid for a dehydrated child is an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte or Enfalyte. Give a small amount every 5 minutes or so. Skip sports drinks, soda and full-strength juice, which have too much sugar and can worsen some symptoms.9
How to give fluids
- Start small. Babies and toddlers can start with 10 ml (2 teaspoons). Older kids can start with 15 ml (1 tablespoon).9
- Repeat every 5 minutes or so. 9 A spoon or a medicine cup works well.
- Keep track. Jot down the time and amount so you can tell your doctor what stayed down.9
- Babies: don't give plain water in place of an oral rehydration solution.9
What to skip
- Sports drinks
- Soda
- Full-strength (undiluted) fruit juice
All three have too much sugar for a sick stomach.9 See why in sports drinks and 100% juice.
When to call the doctor
Call if your child:9
- won't take anything to drink for more than a few hours,
- vomits more than a few times in 24 hours, or
- still has signs of dehydration after you've tried rehydrating.
This page is general education, not medical advice. Your pediatrician knows your child.
Common questions
What should I give my child when they're vomiting?
Small amounts of an oral rehydration solution every 5 minutes or so, starting with about 2 teaspoons for a baby or toddler and 1 tablespoon for an older child. Call your doctor if your child can't keep anything down for more than a few hours.
Can I give a sports drink for a stomach bug?
It's not recommended. Sports drinks, soda and full-strength juice have too much sugar and can make some symptoms worse. An oral rehydration solution is made for this.