ill baby refusing fluids,,,any suggestions?

[crazycanuck]

this seems like a daft question but are there any 'tricks' to get a 9.5 month old to take some water/fluids? my ds is ill with what the ped says is a viral illness (vomiting, runny poos, the whole nine yards) and he is completely off his food today, ie only about 8 oz milk and he brought up about half of that. plus no solids. I am dead worried about him becoming dehydrated and he's refusing all fluids. funny thing is he's still happily crawling around causing havoc. any ideas would be much appreciated!

I'd say if it's the first day ds is refusing don't worry too much as yet and keep offering highly diluted juice or cooled tea (I generally use a mix of fennel and strawberry ) or just leave the bottle where he can reach it. If he's really thirsty he'll grab something. Especially as he still seems to have enough energy to wreak havoc

i think you should get him on diorilite just to stop him dehydrating. he is less likely to be sick of this or just simply cool boiled water rather than his milk. if he keeps bringing this up he might need to go in hospital if he's alright with this give it for about 24hrs and then slowly introduce milk back to him. unfortunately he will probably lose some weight but once he's better his weight should quickly come back up.

look up dehydration, there's a big list on signs to look out for, from mild to modertate and then severe. that might put your mind at rest.

My GP told me to give quarter to half-strength milk as ds wouldn't touch anything else when he had a similar bug.

Agree re leaving cups/bottles around the place

here

my DS had this around same age - we were in hospital 3 times with it - get some diorilite from the chemist (ask for it), and then make up a jug of it, and give 10 mils every 10 minutes - easiest way is to use a syringe (without the needle obviously), or just two teaspoons - this is best way for little mite to keep it down - would suggest staying away from milk if vomiting, and only go back onto milk after holding down diorilite

stress very important to get the salts as well as the sugars, and that is why the special solution is important

craxycanuck - how is your ds?

we were told not to give dd1 milk based liquids when she had a vomitting/diarrhea bug. we gave diluted apple juice till she cleared it.