To help get a mildly dehydrated child to drink oral electrolyte solution (Pedialyte), mix with flavored sugar-free gelatin, substituting Pedialyte for water.
The added flavor from the gelatin will help to decrease the salty flavor while avoiding the excess sugar that can worsen diarrhea and GI upset.
Depending on personal preference, the child can either drink the mixed solution at room temperature or eat it like gelatin after chilling it for approximately four hours. A third option is to freeze the solution in ice cube trays with Popsicle sticks in the center. — Sheri Carson, NP, Tucson, Ariz. (171-6)
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