Dehydration in babies is the result of the absence of that much quantity of fluid which is essential for your baby. Babies are more prone to dehydration due to an increase in the elimination of fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, fever or sweating. Let’s study the signs to confirm is your baby dehydrated.
Signs and symptoms to confirm are your baby dehydrated:
- Elevation in thirst levels
- High irritability
- The absence of tears while crying
- Dark color urine or decrease in urine output
- Dryness in the skin and no elasticity
- Dry lips and skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Sunken eyes
Serious alerts
Fever
When your baby is suffering from fever, try providing your baby with a high liquid diet. In case the condition is a serious one, consult a doctor for fast and better recovery.
Overheating
Serve your little one with more fluids than usual during hot summers. They are more prone to dehydration, therefore need special attention.
Diarrhea
If your baby is suffering from some intestinal disorders leading to excessive loss of fluids by vomiting and diarrhea. So, try adding more fluids to their diet. But in the case of kids younger than six months, they need a consultation from a physician before any remedy.
Vomiting
Intestinal diseases can lead to vomiting. Therefore, if your baby is sensitive and unable to keep up her hydration, she will suffer from dehydration.
Unable to take drinks in
Sometimes sore throat may occur which causes a painful situation for a baby and your baby may refuse to take in anything. Therefore, this situation may confirm that the baby dehydrated.
Prevention
· Hydration
Help your little one staying hydrated. If your baby is younger than 6 months, bottle feeding or breastfeeding your baby may help in keeping up with hydration. Whereas, if your baby is suffering from vomiting, it’s advisable to feed your baby in little intervals of two hours to avoid dehydration.
· Rehydration therapy
Moreover, you need to treat your baby with oral rehydration therapy. Provide the rehydrating solution in small sips after certain regular intervals to your baby. It is rich in salt, sugar and other nutrients which help in maintaining the electrolyte and fluid balance of your baby’s body. The markets are flooding with various brands, so ask your doctor before providing any to your baby.
· Avoid soft drinks
Avoid juice and soft drinks or sodas in case of babies as it can have a bad impact on their teeth and health. Furthermore, consult your doctor before trying anything on babies especially, the ones with less than six months old age. If your baby is more than 6 months old, you can help her with small sips of water as well.
· Maintain a regular diet
Foods help provide hydration to your body. Therefore, do not disturb the regular diet of your baby and prevent any food which is difficult to digest.
· Avoid extreme temperature
It’s obvious to avoid extreme temperatures and high humidity conditions for your little one to prevent dehydration and irritability your baby can face. You need to prevent going out in the sun with your baby or keep him cool and in shade as much as possible.
· Provide proper rest
Baby needs proper rest to recover from the hardships, therefore prevent your baby from any physical activity when in pain or suffering from dehydration.
· Dress according to season
Choose specific blankets and clothing’s for your babies appropriate according to the weather. Avoid heavy fabrics, sweaters, and long sleeves in the summer season.
- Take extra efforts to keep your baby hydrated during illness.
Dehydration is not a common condition. However, it can be a serious issue, a fatal one in extreme cases. If your little one is feeling uneasy, discomfort or you happen to observe any of the above conditions don’t waste time thinking that is your baby dehydrated. Call your doctor and get your little one with a frequent checkup. Keep your little one safe and hydrated.