How do you get a toddler to take fluids?

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Oct 30, 2006

A syringe 5-10ml at a time. Do it just like meds. Beyond that if they are severely dehydrated its IV time.

Rj

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 30, 2006

Jell-o, gatorade, even Kool-Aid.

Iced tea.

Not my usual suggestions for toddlers, but that's last ditch for avoiding the IV's.

Do try the syringe, too.

TazziRN, RN · Oct 30, 2006

Didn't think about the syringe. Don't have one but I do have a 5-ml dropper for her meds. I can use that. Thanks!

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Oct 30, 2006

Are you looking to just get any fluids down? Try a slurppee from 7-11.

mamason · Oct 30, 2006

I take one of those little measuring cups, that come with the OTC cough syrups, and put juice, pediolyte(apple flavor, of course) or whatever I think my toddler will drink, and offer it to her. She thinks it's a game of some sort. I offer this to her about every 10-20 minutes. It seemed to help get her to drink something. It seemed like such a small amount while I was doing it, and before long, her intake had increased by quite a bit.

rn/writer, RN · Oct 30, 2006

Does she have play dishes? Try having a tea party.

Have someone bring you a fast food soda cup and straw and try that.

Sherbet; crushed ice cubes made from soda or Kool-aid; pudding pops.

The syringe is usually successful when all else fails.

Poor baby. And your daughter, too.

I hope all is well soon. Do let us know.

Haunted · Oct 30, 2006

Also discovered this great trick from an urgent care doc for sore throats, gargle with Mylanta. It really helps to coat the throat. Hope the kiddo feels better Tazzi.

GeminiTwinRN, BSN · Oct 30, 2006

Also discovered this great trick from an urgent care doc for sore throats, gargle with Mylanta. It really helps to coat the throat. Hope the kiddo feels better Tazzi.

ewwww! sorry, but this just sounds SO nasty!

hope your little one feels better soon Tazzi!! :)

AmericanChai · Oct 31, 2006

Hi! I hope she feels better soon. I agree that the med syringe trick is pretty effective. Just aim for the inside back of her cheek and try squirting 5ml at a time. You might try to get some flavored Pedialyte into her that way. It really perks up my child when she's feeling bad.

I also agree with the slurpee idea. Just spoon feed her that or ice chips, or bites of popsicle (cut it with a knife into tiny cubes) instead of the whole bar.

If you notice her going downhill more, but she's not to the point of needing IV yet, ask the ped if she can get a shot or suppository of that anti-nausea med. It really works with my kids. They start to feel better very soon and then are willing to drink again.

TazziRN, RN · Oct 31, 2006

Hi! I hope she feels better soon. I agree that the med syringe trick is pretty effective. Just aim for the inside back of her cheek and try squirting 5ml at a time. You might try to get some flavored Pedialyte into her that way. It really perks up my child when she's feeling bad.
I also agree with the slurpee idea. Just spoon feed her that or ice chips, or bites of popsicle (cut it with a knife into tiny cubes) instead of the whole bar.
If you notice her going downhill more, but she's not to the point of needing IV yet, ask the ped if she can get a shot or suppository of that anti-nausea med. It really works with my kids. They start to feel better very soon and then are willing to drink again.

Nausea is not an issue, and I have phenergan if it starts.

Don't have a slurpee place around here, I'm in the boondocks.

She has taken some fluids finally, before she fell asleep again. Milk....not the best choice but at least she took something and is keeping it down.

Bummer.....tomorrow was going to be her first trickertreat........

TazziRN, RN · Oct 31, 2006

Also discovered this great trick from an urgent care doc for sore throats, gargle with Mylanta. It really helps to coat the throat. Hope the kiddo feels better Tazzi.

Uh......she's only 2........

gargle with mylanta?? *blech*