What is dehydration ?

 
Dehydration in babies mean the they  do not have enough fluids in the body as they should. Infants are more prone to dehydration. Infants lose large amounts of bodily fluids through fever, diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating. Dehydration in babies can be mild or life threatening.
 

 

How can I tell if my baby is dehydrated ?

 
You can tell your baby is dehydrated if :

• baby goes more than 6 hours without a wet diaper
• there is few or no tears when baby cries
• baby’s urine is darker than normal and have a strong smell
• baby is lethargic or irritable
• baby has dry, sticky  mouth

 
In severe cases, these symptoms may include  :

• the soft spot on the baby’s head (fontanelle) looks sunken
• sunken eyes
• excessive sleepiness
• hands and feet feel cold

What should I do if my baby is dehydrated ?

 
Dehydration in babies can be life threatening. If you suspect that your baby is dehydrated, take him to the emergency room. He may be given  fluids  intravenously to rehydrated him.

You may also give your pediatrician a call. He may want to see the baby , just to be safe. If your baby’s dehydration is mild, he will give you instructions on what to do depending on the baby’s age.   He may ask you to  give the baby more breast milk or formula than usual if he is younger than 3 months old.   If the baby is older than 3 months, the doctor may recommend special electrolyte liquid such as Pedialyte  in addition to the breast milk or formula. This liquid is available in pharmacies. The doctor will give you instructions on how to give the fluid depending on you baby’s age and weight.
 

How can I prevent dehydration in babies ?

 
The best way to prevent dehydration in babies is to make sure they gets enough fluid especially when they are sick or on very hot days.

Continue to breast feed or bottle feed babies who are younger than 6 months. However in babies who are older than 6 months, you can give a little water about 4 ounces per day. You may increase the amount when the baby starts eating solids.

If your child has fever and is not feeding well, ask your doctor for pain medication to ease discomfort.

If the child has intestinal diseases such as gastroenteritis, he may lose fluid though diarrhea and vomiting. Don’t give the child fruit juice . This may make the situation worse. Don’t give child any medication without  consulting your doctor first. You can however encourage the baby to drink more breast milk or formula. If the baby is above 3 months you may supplement with oral rehydration fluids. If your baby is above 6 months, you may give a little water.

If your baby is refusing to eat or drink due to illnesses such as sore throat. As your doctor if you can give your baby pain medication to ease discomfort. You may then offer breast milk or formula  frequently and in small amounts. You can give your baby  water if he is above 6 months.