There’s really nothing worse than a sick child—especially when they’re babies. And while snuggles are probably one of the best remedies, keeping your little one as hydrated as possible is just as important. Here’s what to know about dehydration and babies.
Why should I worry about my baby getting dehydrated?
Dehydration occurs when your baby has lost too much water—especially if they are have a fever, diarrhea, or are vomiting—and aren’t able to drink enough liquid to replace it. Because of their smaller size, it’s much easier for them to become dehydrated. When untreated, dehydration in babies and young toddlers can be dangerous, and require treatment in a hospital.
What are the signs of dehydration in babies?
Along with keeping track of how many bottles or nursing sessions your baby has successfully participated in, there are several signs of dehydration to watch for. Signs of dehydration include:
- Sleeping more than normal
- Sunken eyes
- Sunken soft spot on the top of the head in newborns
- Crying with little or no tears
- Extreme fussiness
- Cold or discolored hands or feet
- Wrinkly skin
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or fewer bowel movements
- Fast breathing
- Fast heart rate
It’s important to keep an eye on your baby’s wet and dirty diapers when they’re sick. Wet diapers—or lack thereof—are always a good indicator of if they’re hydrated or not. If your infant has less than six wet diapers per day, or your older baby or toddler has no wet diapers for eight hours, they’re likely dehydrated. It’s also important to take note of baby’s dirty diapers. If your baby is having extremely watery or diarrhea-like stool, it means they’re losing water. If your little one’s bowel movements are extra hard and dry, it’s a sign they’re dehydrated. Either instance means that they are in need of more fluid to keep them hydrated.
How can I get my baby to stay hydrated when sick?
It can be tricky to get a sick baby to continue to take in fluids when they’re not feeling well, however it’s imperative that your little one stays hydrated.
Continue to offer babies less than six months of age old formula or breast milk. If they’re vomiting, it might be helpful to offer more feedings with smaller amounts to help your little one retain the liquid and not vomit it back up. A good rule of thumb is to give baby around 1.5–2 fluid ounces of breastmilk or formula a day per pound of weight. However, babies sick with diarrhea, vomiting or fever may need up to 3 fluid ounces per pound. If your baby is having trouble taking a bottle or breastfeeding, you might find success giving them small sips of formula or breastmilk from an open cup, spoon or syringe.
While older babies may refuse to eat solids when they aren’t feeling well, there’s no need to force it. It’s fairly common for sick children to refuse solid foods. However, it’s not as typical to refuse liquids. If your little one is interested in solids, foods such as cereal, bananas and mashed potatoes can help provide fluids. Babies older than six months may be given sips of water throughout the day. However, it’s important to offer primarily breast milk or formula. While water is hydrating, it simply doesn’t provide the essential nutrients your baby needs in their day.
When should I call my baby’s doctor about dehydration?
If you notice signs of dehydration when your baby is sick and they simply aren’t drinking enough, call their provider to discuss their symptoms and ways to hydrate them quickly. Your child’s provider may recommend an oral rehydration solution (ORS) solution (such as Pedialyte) to help them retain hydration and replenish necessary nutrients. Always consult with your baby’s provider before offering one of these fluids to be sure it’s age appropriate. It’s also important to consult with baby’s provider before offering any juice or similar liquids. The wrong liquid could worsen your little one’s condition, and may not replenish their electrolytes appropriately.
If your baby is younger than three months old and is projectile vomiting, has a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or is showing signs of dehydration, call their provider immediately. Serious dehydration may require hospital treatment to help replenish baby’s fluids.