Does Pedialyte Go Bad or Expire? (Should You Refrigerate?)

Pedialyte is your go-to option when a baby or toddler is vomiting or has diarrhea. I actually have a jug of this in the pantry just in case. (I like to be prepared.)

They have an expiration date on them, and you can trust that they’ll last quite a while. Most jugs of Pedialyte will last for two years if you don’t open them.

However, once you open them, they tend to go bad in two days. Whatever you have not used in two days will need to be discarded. 

What Is Pedialyte?

Pedialyte is a solution that helps replace water and minerals that have been lost, usually due to a bout of stomach flu or other nasty illness. It has the sugar, sodium, and electrolytes that your little one needs to help solve or prevent dehydration.

(Prevention is why I keep a spare bottle of this stuff. As soon as they keep throwing up, give your kids an ounce or two an hour. You can prevent a trip to the hospital for severe dehydration this way. 

Different Varieties Of Pedialyte

Pedialyte comes in various forms. Each one has it’s drawbacks and benefits that come with it.

They also have various times that they will expire, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the correct information for the type of Pedialyte that you’re using. 

Pedialyte Pops

These are single-serve Pedialyte popsicles. If you don’t want to make your own with a ready to pour solution, they’re a great alternative.

Because they’re frozen, they can last for a while. Bacteria tend to grow slower in the freezer, which is a huge bonus. They do last significantly less than the other varieties though and need to be tossed after 6-8 months.

These are also great for little ones that are running a fever (the coldness can help bring their temperature down.) However, if you’re looking for something to take with you on the go, these aren’t ideal. 

Pedialyte Powder

Pedialyte powder comes in a single-serve option as well. You simply mix the packet with eight ounces of water or pour it into a water bottle like you would a water enhancer. Then, shake the water bottle and you’re good to go!

These are great if you want something that you can take with you anywhere.

They also have a shelf life that will last a few years. If you find that you don’t use an entire jug of Pedialyte and are throwing away the rest, these are wonderful ideas to reduce waste. 

Ready To Pour Pedialyte

These are the jugs of Pedialyte that were mentioned earlier. They last for approximately two years in the pantry. Once you open them, they have to be refrigerated.

If you haven’t used the remainder in 48 hours, it needs to be thrown out. These are great because they’re ready to go, and I love that you can store them in the pantry, unlike the Pedialyte Pops.

However, the main downside is that if you don’t use the entire jug, you have to throw it out, which is a waste of both Pedialyte and money. 

Pedialyte Juice Boxes

Pedialyte juice boxes are a smaller version of the ready to pour Pedialyte. You simply put in a straw and hand it over to your little one.

They can go with you anywhere, just like the powder variety, and don’t take up a lot of space in your bag. These are usually preferred by parents that enjoy the ready to use Pedialyte but hate that they have to throw out whatever is not used in 48 hours.

The main downside to these is that they cost a little bit more. However, if you look at how much money you’re wasting throwing out Pedialyte, the cost might balance out. These do not expire for a couple of years and do not need to be refrigerated. 

How To Store Pedialyte Before Use

Pedialyte Pops should be stored in the freezer. Other varieties should be stored in a cool area that maintains room temperature, such as the pantry.

Some people enjoy freezing them, but keep in mind that frozen Pedialyte will only last 6-8 months in the freezer, and will last a couple of years in the cabinet. 

How To Store Partially Used Pedialyte

If Pedialyte was used, but your little one didn’t drink it all, there are certain methods of storage for each type of Pedialyte. 

• Uneaten Pedialyte Pops should be thrown away and not saved for later
• Drinks mixed with powder should be stored in the refrigerator, and discarded if not used in 1 hour
• Opened jugs of Pedialyte should be stored in the refrigerator, and the unused portion should be discarded 48 hours later
• Partially drank juice boxes should be stored in the refrigerator, and discarded if not consumed within 1 hour

FAQs

Can infants use Pedialyte?

Babies under the age of 1 should not use Pedialyte unless directed by a doctor. If your little one has diarrhea or has been vomiting, your pediatrician may authorize the use of Pedialyte. It’s important to ask them first, though. 

Can adults use Pedialyte?

Yes! Even though this is marketed for children, it’s great for any age above one-year-old. Adults can happily use Pedialyte instead of other drinks to stay hydrated. 

Is Pedialyte good for a hangover?

Yes, it is! It can help you rehydrate yourself with will make you feel better. It’s usually recommended over Gatorade because it has the perfect balance of minerals and electrolytes, and less sugar than some versions of Gatorade.

However, if your upset stomach isn’t due to dehydration, Pedialyte won’t help. Instead, you’ll need to take something else for your stomach. 

In Conclusion

Pedialyte is wonderful for children and adults that need to rehydrate. Make sure that you know the expiration dates so you always have some on stand by, whether it’s for your little one or for you.

Pedialyte can help both of you start feeling better, and prevent a trip to the ER for dehydration.