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When one of your little ones (or each of your little ones, one by one — the worst) comes down with a nasty flu bug or with Covid-19, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to get them back to feeling like themselves as soon as possible. And of course if you or a partner get sick with the remnants of their virus, you’re going to need a little pick-me-up to get you back in shape to keep doing everything parents do, even if you don’t feel like eating anything.
Any time the body loses fluids through sweating, whether that’s a fever, sickness, or through intense physical activity, the body needs to replenish electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, to recover. While pediatricians emphasize that most kids, in their daily recess, sports, and activities, just need water to drink and don’t need to rehydrate with sugar-filled sports and electrolyte drinks, they will lose a significant amount of electrolytes with some illnesses, particularly if those involve vomiting or diarrhea.
Your number one go-to might be Pedialyte (whether it’s for sick kiddos or as a hangover cure after a few cocktails last night), but it turns out there are other options that can offer less sugar, no artificial coloring or flavors, and more nutrients like protein. Here are some Pedialyte alternatives you should keep on hand in your pantry just in case. Fingers crossed you won’t need them anytime soon!
Kinderlyte
Your new go-to rehydration is about to be Kinderlyte. It’s made with non-GMO dextrose, which is designed to go directly to the bloodstream, unlike artificial sweetener sucralose found in Pedialyte. Also, the color is from fruit and vegetable juice rather than synthetic dyes. The kiddos are going to love the fruit punch flavor, too.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier For Kids
Liquid I.V. may have saved you the morning after a few too many glasses of wine at happy hour, and now there’s a kid’s version of it, for when they’re up all night with a fever. This one has a kid-sized dose of sodium and potassium, appropriate for babies over one years old, and has over 100% of their daily recommended value of the energy-boosting vitamin B12. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, in case you have a child with allergies.
Image: Amazon
Creative Roots Coconut Water Beverage
Can’t get your kids to drink water, especially when they’re sick? A flavored coconut water will help. Coconut water in general is great for drinking when you’re under the weather or dehydrated because of its natural electrolytes like sodium. Kids can try the same coconut water you drink, or they can try Creative Roots, which has a mixed berry flavor with no added sugar.
Bitsy’s Swish
These Bitsy’s Swish sticks will come in clutch if you keep them in your kids’ travel bag or backpack for any time they may get sick on vacation or with another caregiver. The pre-portioned packets have just 1 gram of sugar and plenty of potassium to help their little bodies recover, plus tons of vitamin C and zinc to boost their immunity. And what kid doesn’t love a blue raspberry or pink lemonade flavor?
Image: Amazon
Berri Lyte
If you’re looking for an organic choice in a Pedialyte alternative, look no further than Berri Lyte. The formula is all plant-based and is USDA-certified organic. The cherry red color and flavor comes from organic sour cherry juice and organic maqui berries and guava instead of fake flavoring or food coloring. It’s naturally sweetened with monkfruit and has no added sugar.
Before you go, check out these natural products that also relieve your kid’s cold symptoms: