Two things here. First I wanted to see if there are any real good fluid replacement products out there that your kids will take without a fight. I have a 4 year old SWCAH.  I cannot get "Pedialite" down her in any form when she is sick. I just read my "Child" magazine and I see that there seems to be a new product out. (perhaps just new to me) It is called "ReVital". "ReVital" comes in jell cups, liquid squeezers, or freezer pops. They offer a coupon. So I assume it is new on the market. They also have a product from "Gerber". It is called "Pediatric Electrolyte". If anyone has a toddler that drinks from the Gerber Lil' Sport spill proof sports bottle, then this product is for you. Or that still drinks a baby bottle. They come in recloseable single-serve bottles that take the nipple of a baby bottle OR  the top of that Gerber Lil' Sport spill-proof lid. This looks awesome. (I recommend everyone that is weining off of a baby bottle to use the Lil' Sport spill-proof bottle. This was the only way I got my daughter to give up her bottle. They still get that sucking satisfaction in a way.) I have never used "Gatoraid". I was not sure if there is an age limit to this product. I am sure she is old enough now to drink it. But even that makes me gag. Please let me know of any good tips you have for replenishing fluids in times of illness. Thanks! 

The other thing I like to mention during the fall is the idea to do an inventory of your medicine cabinet. I usually post this in October but thought while I was on the subject I would add this reminder now. I try to do an inventory before cold and flu season starts/ or the starting of school. I always make sure I have Pedialite, Tylenol, Children's Motrin, acediminophen  (sp?)suppositories in the fridge (in case my daughter has a fever and will not tolerate Tylenol orally) I make sure my batteries are fresh in my thermometer, (you know they will decide to burn out when you need it the most, at 2 a.m.) and I always make sure I do not run too short of her regular meds, such as Cortef, and Solu-Cortef in case we need to increase for an illness. Who has time to run to a drugstore for a refill in the middle of an illnes?). I also take this time to review my instructions on how to give an emergency injection. Call me crazy, but I feel the need to be ready for action. This is my own defense to take my worry away. My motto is to always be prepared. Just another note I like to mention is that when my daughter does get sick I keep a chart of what time I gave what medication and how much. I also record temps. if a fever is involved, and fluid intake. This way if a crisis occurs OR if I need to inform the doctor of her illness I have all her answers to her questions in front of me. We all know that fog that makes our brains not function to full capacity when our kids get so sick. These are vital pieces of information to the E.R. or doctor. With lack of sleep, times and dosages run together. Many blessings for a healthy year.