Fluids

Pediatric maintenance fluids (Holliday–Segar)

Calculate the conventional daily weight-based maintenance estimate, with its exact hourly equivalent.

Intended population: Children older than 28 days and younger than 16 years; routine maintenance only, excluding resuscitation or deficit replacement.

This is a starting estimate, not a fluid prescription. Illness, non-osmotic ADH, organ dysfunction, obesity, other intake and ongoing losses may require adjustment. Neonates need age-specific calculations. Daily volumes above 2,000–2,500 mL commonly exceed routine needs and require review.

Age is >28 days and <16 years

Weight selected for maintenance assessment (kg)

Sources and scoring references

NICE NG29: routine maintenance in children and young people ↗

Implementation references reviewed October 28, 2026. Verify applicability and unusual or treatment-changing results against the linked references and local guidance.