How to get fluids into 6 month old, seems dehydrated

[hazeyjane]

My DH has just taken 6 month old dd to doctors, she has had horrendous cold since Saturday, has hardly had any milk (ff), what she has had she has thrown up, and has just had really horrible dark green diarrhoea. I just wondered if anyone has any idea's about how to get liquid into a 6 month old, I have tried, bottle, cup and syringe - nothing seems to work!

Poor little thing. I started reading your post thinking about one I read recently recommending small regular quantities in a syringe, but if that's not working I don't know.

I guess DH is back with DD now. What did the doc say?

will she suck on a wet sponge or flannel?

Thanks for replies, Dr said to just keep offering fluids (rosehip syrup!?), and if she has any more diarroea and still won't drink may have to go to hospital.
Fortunately she had 3oz at about 7, and hasn't been sick. My Dh is carrying her around at the mo, so it looks like it is going to be another long night of taking it in shifts to be up with her-she is so unhappy, and just wants to be cuddled all the time.
I am going to try the wet flannel now - thanks

My doctor recommended 2 teaspoonfuls every 5 mins when ds had sickness and diarrhoea.

Doesn't sound much but if you keep offering it, you do end up getting a fair bit into them.

Will she take any from a spoon?

Oh you poor things - it's absolutely dreadful when they're so poorly isn't it? Does she have a fever too? Fingers crossed that she'll get some sleep tonight and will start to feel better in the morning.

The other thing you could try is squeezing drops of water on to her lips / mouth (e.g. wet cotton wool) to help with any dryness and she may stick her tongue out and you get a few drops on that. 3oz is great though - fantastic and not being sick is fabulous!

do it teaspoon by teaspoon - a real labour of love but it will hydrate her. best of luck - I feel for you and know what you are going throuhgxx

I second the wet flannel/sponge idea. When they have bugs like this they get sooo thirsty but a big glug of water will just trigger more vomiting so the drip drip ( literally!) approach is the best one. Squeeze a bit of water from a flannel in to the mouth every few minutes or try a sippy cup - also try dioralyte in very very small doses, little and often.

She WILL get better though - it's hard but she will.

3oz at 7 is really good if she hasn't brought it up yet. Fingers crossed you'll have an ok night.

Sympathy, and fingers crossed that 3oz stays put. My dd has just had/has the vomiting bug - and is now at the diarrhoea (and occasional vomit) stage - and the GP recommended Diarolyte so that whatever water she does take in, stays in. The rehydration salts mean the body absorbs the water instead of it going straight through, IYSWIM.

Its horrible, worrying about dehydration and trying to keep them comfortable and out of hospital...wishing you a better night, and your dd better soon. xxx

Wet flannel was all ready, but she had fallen asleep in dh's arms, so is now asleep in her buggy (coughs too much lying down, she sounds like she's on 20 Gauloise a day, so we are trying to keep her upright).
Thanks for all the tips, going to go to bed for a bit, but will probably be back on later. Mumsnet is great whenyour cuddling poorly lo's at 3 in the morning!

Just thought I'd let you know that my lo kept down the 3oz, and had not too bad a night sleeping in our bed (we are knackered though!). She has had nearly 6 oz this morning, in little bits and pieces, and seems loads happier, and is asleep now.

Now if I can only stop her 20 month old sister from jumping on top of her....

Thanks for the advice and sympathy.

Oh that's great - how is she now??

Sorry, both girls loads better, so dh and I went away for weekend. I think that she has got a bit used to sleeping with us, at least its cosy!