Thursday, December 10, 2009

Giveaway: Pedialyte Powder Packs CLOSED



Last Christmas, our holiday spirit was dampened when our nearly 5-month old baby woke up with a 102 degree fever. Our poor infant son couldn't even enjoy opening his presents for his very first Christmas Day. He spent the entire afternoon alternating between screaming his head off and sleeping upright in his swing. My normal booby monster couldn't even be bothered to breastfeed. I knew something serious was going on. After several doses of Tylenol, his fever spiked to 103.5 and off to the ER we went. Nate was diagnosed with Hand Food and Mouth Disease (HFMD), which is a fancy version of a nasty virus. In the days following the diagnosis, as he recovered with the help of Motrin, he battled diarrhea and a red rash on his belly. He also had blisters on the back of his throat so it was a struggle to get him to nurse. I felt so helpless. All I could think was that my baby was starving and would wind up in the hospital with a feeding tube if I couldn't get the proper nutrients in him somehow.

But then I remembered we had Pedialyte in the pantry. Nate was never a fan of the bottle but he did drink enough of the liquid to ease my worries about dehydration. Since then, my husband and I have always had a container on hand for emergencies such as this.

If you've ever had a sick child, you can probably imagine the bottle in your head as I mention the brand. But for those who've been lucky enough to dodge the flu bullets, here are the details:
Pedialyte is the number one doctor recommended brand of oral electrolyte solution. It is specifically designed to replace fluids and minerals (electrolytes) that are lost when a child has diarrhea with or without vomiting. Pedialyte is effective because it contains only small amounts of sugars (dextrose and fructose) that are balanced with appropriate levels of electrolytes. Pedialyte is designed with this precise combination of sugars and electrolytes to promote quick fluid and electrolyte absorption. In general, other household beverages such as sports drinks, sweetened sodas and juices are too high in carbohydrates (sugar) and too low in sodium -- an important electrolyte that is lost during diarrhea and vomiting. Pedialyte Liters also contain added zinc to help replenish zinc loss due to diarrhea.
Pedialyte is available in flavored and unflavored liter bottles, single pint-sized liquid bottles, and freezer pops. All flavored varieties are sweetened with ace K (acsulfame potassium) and sucralose instead of sugar, as sugar (sucrose) may make diarrhea worse by drawing water into the intestine.

Thankfully, Nate does not suffer from intestinal troubles regularly. But the problem with the Pedialyte liter bottles is that after you open the container, you have to consume the unused portion within 48 hours. We maybe use about 1/3 of the bottle before we have to throw away the rest. I always thought it was such a waste. Not to mention the bulky container is not easy to fit in a crowded fridge or throw in the diaper bag. Carting it around with us on Christmas Day was not exactly fun.

Well, Pedialyte has addressed my gripes with their new Powder Packs. These simple packets are convenient for travel, easy to store and easy to use. Just add one pack to 8 oz. of water - that's it! Powder Packs come in four yummy flavors and are available in 4-packs including Fruit Punch and Apple or Variety 8-packs that also include Strawberry and Grape.


I have not yet had an opportunity to test out the new Powder Packs but you can bet your bottom dollar, I'll be trading in my huge, bulky bottle for these puppies. I love that I can just throw them in my purse or diaper bag and no matter where we are, we'll be prepared. 'Cause if you're anything like my family, the onset of an illness rarely occurs while we're comfortably at home.

BUY IT: You can find Pedialyte Powder Packs wherever Pedialyte is sold, or use this handy dandy store locator to find the retailer nearest you. (ARV $6/4-pk. or $9/8-pk.) You can also sign up for the Pedialyte newsletter and get a coupon for $1.50 off!

EXCITING EVENT: If you happen to live in the MD/DC/VA area, you're in luck! The “Pedialyte Healthy Holiday Event” Mobile Tour will be stopping by the Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, MD on December 11-13, 2009 from 11am-5pm (next to Santa Station) to help educate families about their medicine cabinet necessities. During the tour, families can stop by the booth to speak to local health care providers and learn more about what simple things they can do to keep healthy this holiday season. In addition, families can participate in a Pedialyte taste test and receive samples and coupons of the new Pedialyte Powder Packs.

But if you don't live nearby or if, like me, you have to devote your time this weekend to menial tasks like unpacking and last-minute Christmas shopping, have no fear...

WIN IT: Ten lucky winners are going to win a year's supply of Pedialyte Powder Packs! Yes, that's right - TEN winners will EACH win a YEAR'S SUPPLY!


MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Pedialyte website and tell me something you learned that I didn't mention in my review. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Add my blog button and/or my holiday button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each)

4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on December 26, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Contest open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received an invitation to attend the above event and test this product from Liv at DeVries P.R. I was not compensated in any way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are purely my own. Your experience may differ. Always consult a physician for a proper evaluation and treatment plan before administering Pedialyte, especially for infants under 1 year of age.

87 comments:

Whitney said...

I learned this: Why is it NOT a good idea to mix Pedialyte with other fluids?

Pedialyte contains appropriate and balanced amounts of sugars and electrolytes in a particular quantity of fluid. This formulation is important for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in children who have abnormal losses, such as can happen with diarrhea. If other fluids are added, the quantities and ratios of electrolytes and sugars per volume may be altered, making the product less effective.

Whitney said...

email subscriber

Whitney said...

follow and tweet- http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6619159408

Whitney said...

entered bei bambini

bethany said...

I learned about the signs of dehydration and what symptoms are a little more severe. THanks!

(and I'm excited to go buy these... I couldn't stand having to throw so much of this away after we opened it!! What a great idea Pedialyte :))

bethany said...

Follow w google reader

bethany said...

entered lysinet

bethany said...

entered bei bambini

bethany said...

entered relish

bethany said...

entered ycmt

bethany said...

entered dove

bethany said...

tweeted! theivytwines

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6650377549

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6670900719

Anonymous said...

Pedialyte is relatively low in Calories and carbohydrates compared to complete nutritional beverages
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

learned do not mix with other drinks

one frugal lady said...

I learned that pedialyte now contains zinc! Awesome! We love pedialyte!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6706188110

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6738161411

Michele said...

Thank you for the giveaway.

Pedialyte contains appropriate and balanced amounts of sugars and electrolytes in a particular quantity of fluid.

Wehaf said...

Pedialyte is low in sugar, because sugary drinks can make diarrhea worse, actually increasing dehydration instead of treating it.

urchiken at gmail dot com

megan said...

I learned that pedilyte should only be mixed with water.

MNMSpecial said...

I learned that pedialyte cares enough about children to include how to explain things to a child and they have a fun kid area with color pictures and such...my kids favorite thing about computers, lol.
mnmspecial(at)mnmspecial(dot)com

MNMSpecial said...

I am a follower of your blog.
mnmspecial(at)mnmspecial(dot)com

MNMSpecial said...

your button is on my blog http://www.mnmspecial.com
mnmspecial(at)mnmspecial(dot)com

MNMSpecial said...

I follow you on twitter. Here is my tweet http://twitter.com/mnmspecial/status/6755456446

Emily said...

I learned that pedialyte is considered a clear liquid so it's ok to use with a clear liquid diet!
erdickey(at)gmail(dot)com

Emily said...

I subscribe with google reader
erdickey(at)gmail(dot)com

Emily said...

I follow on twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/babydickey/status/6756194504
erdickey(at)gmail(dot)com

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6771480823

casey aubut said...

I learned that the recommended amount onf fluid intake for my 2 year old is 48-53oz a day!
cassandra@aubut.net

casey aubut said...

subscribe via email
cassandra@aubut.net

AnneTracker said...

I like that they posted a kid friendly way to describe dehydration!

A said...

You can drink the same bottle for up to 48 hours as long as the mondo bottle isn't contaminated beforehand.

A said...

Following and tweeted (http://twitter.com/genny315/status/6776098129)

mverno said...

replaces lost fluids mverno@roadrunner.com

Heidi said...

i learned the signs of dehydration
heidilynndonahue@gmail.com

Michele P. said...

Adding sweeteners like ace K (acesulfame potassium) and sucralose makes Pedialyte taste good, since Pedilyte by itself is not sweet enough for children to want to drink.

micaela6955 at msn dot com

Michele P. said...

blog follower

micaela6955 at msn dot com

Michele P. said...

twitter follower @micaela6955 tweet http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/6782286718

micaela6955 at msn dot com

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6806123706

bethany said...

entered putumayo

bethany said...

entered prehistin

bethany said...

entered smartknits! Thanks!!

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6837382970

Myspiral said...

I saw that pedialyte now contains zinc. I always keep this on hand!
myspiral@aol.com

Myspiral said...

I follow you on blogger!
myspiral@aol.com

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6882571571

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6916698358

Cheryl B said...

I learned:
Why are sweeteners added to Pedialyte? Why not just add sugar to make it sweeter?
Without added sweeteners, Pedialyte is not sweet enough for many children to drink. Adding sugar (sucrose) to Pedialyte may make diarrhea worse. Adding sweeteners like ace K (acesulfame potassium) and sucralose makes Pedialyte taste good without the risks of adding sugar (sucrose).

Cheryl B said...

follow you on twitter as cln1812 & tweeted:
http://twitter.com/cln1812/status/6919937283
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

entered Pedia-Lax
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

entered smartknitkids
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

entered putumayo
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

entered dove self-esteem
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Cheryl B said...

entered Prehistin
cln1812(at)gmail(dot)com

Susan said...

I learnerd that it is low in calories.

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/6952786874

Nicole D. said...

I learned that Electrolytes are: Potassium, sodium and chloride are minerals known as electrolytes. In the body, they are vital for proper cell function and growth.
Thanks!

Julie said...

I learned that for infants under 1 you are to consult a doctor because babies are at much greater risk of dehydration than older children are

aunteegem@yahoo.com

lace said...

I learned that if you add other fluids to pedialyte you will make it not as effective

Rae said...

I never knew you weren't suppose to mix with other fluids. I take care of a special needs child who has a feeding tube and his mother and i have always mixed his formula with the pedialyte.

Rae said...

I follow as zion777423
tweethttp://twitter.com/zion777423/status/7039748262

skytoucher said...

Children can become much more dehydrated more quickly than adults, losing important electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Pedialyte help replenish the electrolytes.

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

I learned once you open the big bottles, it's only good for 48 hours.

stormraven at gmail dot com

beshe said...

pedialyte now contains zinc a very important fact for my family

bemiss2@gmail.com

ReggieMann said...

The Freezer Pops are a fun way to help
older kids feel better.

ReggieM1961 (at) gmail (dot) com

ReggieMann said...

I follow with Google Friend Connect

ReggieM1961 (at) gmail (dot) com

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/7051012823

ReggieMann said...

I entered your SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Socks Giveaway

ReggieM1961 (at) gmail (dot) com

ReggieMann said...

I entered your Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies Giveaway

ReggieM1961 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather B said...

sweeteners are added instead of sugar because sugar can worsen diarrhea

valerie2350 said...

Pedialyte contains the quantity and ratio of sugars (dextrose and fructose) and minerals (electrolytes) recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This precise balance of sugar and electrolytes makes Pedialyte effective in the management and treatment of diarrhea with or without vomiting.

valerie2350 said...

follow

Unknown said...

it contains zinc.thanks so much
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com

Brn2lisn said...

Dehydration causes our bodies to become out of balance

brn2lisn(at)gmail(dot)com

Karen said...

Pedialyte contains appropriate and balanced amounts of sugars and electrolytes in a particular quantity of fluid.

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Egare1 said...

I learned that all of the Pedialyte products (including Pedialyte liquid products and Pedialyte Freezer Pops) are considered to be clear liquids and would be appropriate on a clear liquid diet.

Egare1 said...

I follow your blog :)

memetu said...

Early on I found that when my toddlers' fevers peaked frozen Pedialyte Pops as a slush was the only form of nourishment they could retain. Pedialyte is formulated to quickly replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to diarrhea and vomiting.
metu18 AT hotmail DOT com

Nancy S. said...

Pedialyte liters now have zinc.
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I follow your blog with google friend.

Whitney said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/whitlump/status/7079714532

Unknown said...

I learned that on their site they have a fun for kids section where you can download stories or coloring pages. THis is a good idea to keep my kid's spirit up when they are sick.

Thanks
jesskaufman at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

follow your blog

jesskaufman at hotmail dot com

cman said...

To help your child rehydrate and feel better quickly, choose Pedialyte® at the first sign of diarrhea and vomiting. Pedialyte is specially formulated to quickly replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to diarrhea and vomiting. No wonder it’s the #1 pediatrician recommended brand.

lilyk said...

I learned that Pedialyte contains the quantity and ratio of sugars (dextrose and fructose) and minerals (electrolytes) recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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