A 6-month-old with gastroenteritis has mild dehydration. What is the best initial management?

A 6-month-old with gastroenteritis has mild dehydration. What is the best initial management?

• A. Administer plain water and resume normal feeding
• B. Use IV fluids
• C. Offer oral rehydration solution in small, frequent sips and continue age-appropriate diet
• D. Use fruit juice to replace fluids

Answer: (C)

Oral rehydration with small, frequent sips is the best first step for a six-month-old with mild dehydration from gastroenteritis. An oral rehydration solution provides the right balance of electrolytes and glucose, which together promote efficient sodium and water absorption in the gut. This approach rehydrates effectively while keeping the gut active, and it allows the infant to continue age-appropriate feeding, which supports nutrition and gut healing. Plain water lacks electrolytes and won’t correct the electrolyte losses from diarrhea. Fruit juice is not ideal because its high sugar content can worsen diarrhea and delay recovery. Intravenous fluids are reserved for more serious dehydration or if the child cannot tolerate or keep down oral fluids. If the infant is able to take fluids by mouth, continue breastfeeding or formula and introduce age-appropriate foods alongside the ORS.

Oral rehydration with small, frequent sips is the best first step for a six-month-old with mild dehydration from gastroenteritis. An oral rehydration solution provides the right balance of electrolytes and glucose, which together promote efficient sodium and water absorption in the gut. This approach rehydrates effectively while keeping the gut active, and it allows the infant to continue age-appropriate feeding, which supports nutrition and gut healing.

Plain water lacks electrolytes and won’t correct the electrolyte losses from diarrhea. Fruit juice is not ideal because its high sugar content can worsen diarrhea and delay recovery. Intravenous fluids are reserved for more serious dehydration or if the child cannot tolerate or keep down oral fluids. If the infant is able to take fluids by mouth, continue breastfeeding or formula and introduce age-appropriate foods alongside the ORS.