How do you dilute Pedialyte? Proper Mixing and Safety Guidelines

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

The World Health Organization provides specific guidelines for effective oral rehydration solutions. The answer to 'How do you dilute Pedialyte?' is surprisingly straightforward: for most products, you don't, as it could compromise the electrolyte balance and reduce effectiveness, especially when dealing with infants.

Quick Summary

This article explains why pre-mixed liquid Pedialyte should not be diluted, offers precise instructions for mixing Pedialyte powder packs, and highlights the potential risks of altering the formula.

Key Points

Ready-to-Drink Pedialyte: Liquid Pedialyte should never be diluted with water or other fluids, as its electrolyte balance is precisely formulated.
Powder Mixing: Pedialyte powder packs must be mixed with the exact amount of water specified on the package, typically 8 fl oz or 16 fl oz, to ensure proper concentration.
Safety for Infants: For infants under one year, do not dilute Pedialyte unless explicitly advised by a pediatrician; always seek medical advice for infants under six months.
Risk of Improper Dilution: Altering the Pedialyte formula can reduce its effectiveness at rehydration and potentially lead to dangerous conditions like hypernatremia.
Storage Guidelines: After opening or preparing, refrigerate Pedialyte and discard any unused portion within 48 hours to maintain safety and efficacy.
Alternative Fluids: Mixing Pedialyte with sugary drinks like juice is not recommended, as it can worsen dehydration symptoms like diarrhea.

The Fundamental Rule: Do Not Dilute Ready-to-Drink Pedialyte

For ready-to-drink Pedialyte solutions, the manufacturer advises against adding water or other liquids. These products have a specific, balanced ratio of electrolytes and sugar essential for effective rehydration. Diluting them disrupts this balance, making the solution less effective. This is particularly important for infants and young children.

Precise Instructions for Pedialyte Powder Packs

Unlike liquid versions, Pedialyte powder requires mixing with a specific amount of water.

How to Prepare Pedialyte Powder

Measure Water Accurately: Standard powder packs are typically mixed with 8 fluid ounces (1 cup) of water. Always check the specific product label for the correct ratio, as it can vary for different formulas.
Use Only Water: Mix the powder only with water. Avoid using juice, sports drinks, formula, or other beverages, as this can alter the electrolyte-sugar balance and reduce effectiveness.
Mix Thoroughly: Combine the powder with the measured water and stir or shake until completely dissolved.
Serve Cold: For better taste, serve the prepared solution cold.

The Dangers of Improper Dilution

Incorrectly preparing Pedialyte, such as diluting it or mixing with other liquids, can pose health risks, especially for children.

Reduced Rehydration Efficacy

An improperly prepared solution is less effective at restoring hydration because the crucial balance of sodium and glucose needed for efficient water absorption is disrupted.

Risk of Hypernatremia

Using too little water with powder can create a concentrated solution with excessive salt, potentially leading to hypernatremia, a dangerous condition with high blood sodium levels.

Worsening of Diarrhea

Mixing Pedialyte with sugary drinks can exacerbate diarrhea due to the high sugar content drawing more water into the intestines.

Important Considerations for Infants

Always consult a pediatrician before giving Pedialyte to infants under 6 months. For infants under 1 year, use Pedialyte as-is unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.

Proper Storage and Serving

Storing Pedialyte correctly is important for maintaining its safety and effectiveness.

Refrigerate After Opening: Liquid Pedialyte and mixed powder should be refrigerated after opening or preparation.
Discard Within 48 Hours: Use prepared or opened Pedialyte within 48 hours, then discard any remaining portion. Always check the product label for specific storage instructions.
Do Not Reboil: Never reboil the solution after it has been prepared.

Comparison Table: Proper vs. Improper Preparation


Aspect	Proper Preparation (Powder)	Improper Dilution (Ready-to-Drink)	Incorrect Mixing (Powder)
Method	Mix powder with precise amount of water only	Adding water or other liquids	Mixing with wrong liquid or incorrect water ratio
Water Ratio	Exact amount specified on packet	Arbitrary, alters balance	Alters electrolyte balance and osmolality
Electrolyte Balance	Optimal for fast rehydration	Disrupted, reducing effectiveness	Incorrect balance, can be unsafe
Sugar Content	Balanced for absorption	Altered, potentially worsening diarrhea	Imbalanced, affects efficacy
Safety	High, when instructions are followed	Low, can be harmful	Low, potential for hypernatremia
Best For	Rehydration per specific instructions	Not recommended	Never recommended

Conclusion

Correctly using Pedialyte is essential for effective rehydration. Ready-to-drink liquid Pedialyte should not be diluted. Powder versions require precise mixing with the specified amount of water according to package instructions. Altering the formula can reduce its effectiveness and create health risks. If you have concerns about dehydration or are giving Pedialyte to an infant under one year old, consult a healthcare professional. Following these guidelines ensures safe and effective rehydration. Healthline provides more information on Pedialyte safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not add water to ready-to-drink Pedialyte. The product is specifically formulated with a precise balance of electrolytes and sugar. Diluting it can disrupt this ratio, making it less effective for rehydration and potentially unsafe.

To mix Pedialyte powder, follow the package instructions precisely. For standard packs, you will mix one packet with 8 fluid ounces of water only. Stir or shake until it is fully dissolved.

For infants under one year old, Pedialyte should not be diluted. Always consult a pediatrician before giving Pedialyte to an infant, especially those under six months.

Improper dilution can lead to a less effective rehydration solution. In some cases, if too little water is used, it can cause hypernatremia (excessively high blood sodium levels). Mixing with sugary drinks can also worsen diarrhea.

No, you should not mix liquid Pedialyte with juice, formula, milk, or any other beverages. Adding other fluids alters the electrolyte balance and can negatively impact its effectiveness.

Once a bottle is opened or a powder pack is mixed, it should be refrigerated and used within 48 hours. After 48 hours, it should be discarded.

If you or your child finds the taste unappealing, try a different flavor. Pedialyte is available in a wide variety of flavors, including grape, cherry, and strawberry.