How to Treat Dehydration for Stomach Bugs in Children: Oral Rehydration Therapy

A doctor-recommended method for keeping your sick child from becoming dehydrated.

0:38 Causes of dehydration in kids
0:53 What is a stomach bug?
1:15 When do I use Oral Rehydration Therapy and what is Oral Rehydration Therapy?
1:45 Which fluids should I give for Oral Rehydration Therapy?
2:25 How much fluid should I give for Oral Rehydration Therapy?
3:55 How long should I do Oral Rehydration Therapy?
4:29 Signs of severe dehydration in kids: When to call the doctor

When a child gets a stomach bug or other sickness, dehydration can result. One of the best ways to prevent dehydration and to get your child feeling better is to use oral rehydration therapy, or O.R.T.

With O.R.T., you give your child small amounts of fluid every 5 minutes over several hours. This gradual method allows the intestines to absorb more fluid and nutrients.

This video, created by doctors at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, explains how to do O.R.T. for children of different ages. It also explains when you should call the doctor.