Hydrating Electrolyte Drinks for Kids

When kids are sick, one of the biggest concerns is hydration. Often they don't feel like drinking or maybe are struggling to keep things down. This is when dehydration can become an issue. Here are some electrolyte-balancing drinks to try:

1) Coconut water.

Not much of a recipe, is it?! Coconut water is full of minerals and natural sugars to maintain electrolyte balance and proper hydration. In addition to use when sick, this can also be a great day-to day drink for the summer months.

2) Aviva Romm's Electrolyte Drink Recipe

This one is awesome because the ingredients are things you likely already have in the house. Because we all know that the day our kids get sick is the day we have no groceries and no one to run to the store for us, and no way are we dragging our puking kid to the grocery store. This recipe was created by Aviva Romm, an MD, midwife, and herbalist.

6 oz water
2 tbsp PURE maple syrup or raw honey
1 pinch  sea salt
2 tbsp lemon/lime juice
1/2 tsp baking soda (aluminum free)

For young children, give 1 tsp hourly, for bigger kids, 1/4-1/2 cup every half hour

3) Super Simple Natural "Pedialyte"

PSA: All you need in order to create an electrolyte beverage is water, sugar, and salt. That's it. It's simple, and can absolutely be accomplished without using chemical additives, artificial flavorings, and 

6 teaspoons sugar (organic is best)
1/2 teaspoon salt (sea salt is best)
Filtered water

Depending on age/weight, amount needed to maintain hydration will vary. Dose similarly to Aviva's recipe above.