Mum’s genius hack ‘cures’ dangerous dehydration fast – and costs as little as £1.40
WHILE we continue to languish in gloriously hot weather, making sure your little one is properly hydrated is more important than ever.
Aside from water, one the best and fastest ways to make sure your tot is getting their liquids in is to give them re-hydration drinks.
But what if they’re not a fan of the stuff?
First aiders from Tiny Hearts Education Instagram shared a mum’s genius hack to cure dangerous dehydration fast – and it’s pretty much guaranteed your kid will enjoy it, as it involves jelly.
The team behind the Instagram page dedicated to baby and child first aid asked their followers who are medical professionals to give them hot weather tips.
One replied that if your kid doesn’t like re-hydration drinks like Hydralyte, you should add it to jelly for jiggly hydration boost.
All you’ll need are some electrolyte re-hydration tablets and a packet of powdered gelatin.
Make sure the gelatine is unflavoured, Tiny Hearts Education noted in the caption to their video.
“Oral re-hydration solutions are specifically formulated to contain balanced essential electrolytes and shouldn’t be mixed with cordial, fruit juice, soft or sports drinks, as stated on the packaging,” the medics explained.
“Make sure you use unflavoured gelatine for making these hydration jellies as normal jelly may contain high sugar levels, which can interfere with the re-hydration process.”
You can nab a pack of three Dr. Oetker Gelatine Sachets for as little as £1.40 at Tesco or £1.30 at Asda.
Once you’ve got your ingredients together, mix the unflavoured gelatine with boiled water and make up the oral hydration solution in another glass, following the instructions.
Next, add the re-hydration solution to the gelatine mixture and then pour into cups or your desired vessels.
Pop those in the fridge and voila! You have hydration jelly, ready for your tot to enjoy in a moment of need.
GP Sarah Jarvis last week revealed nine key signs that show your little one is dangerously dehydrated and what to do about it.
Signs your child is dehydrated
Dehydration happens when your kid loses more fluids than their body can take in.
It can get worse and become a serious problem if it’s not treated, according to NHS guidance.
Sings your child is dehydrated include:
- feeling thirsty
- dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
- peeing less often than usual
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- feeling tired
- a dry mouth, lips and tongue
- sunken eyes
Whereas a baby might have:
- a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of their head
- sunken eyes
- few or no tears when they cry
- not having many wet nappies
- being drowsy or irritable
Source: NHS