Stay alert to early warning signs by identifying mild dehydration indicators in your child, such as:

Thirstiness (an early signal of dehydration).
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Nausea.
Headache.
Dark yellow or brown urine.
Dry tongue, mouth, throat, or lips.
Decreased toilet visits or limited urine output.

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Hydration tips for children

Hydration is more than just sipping water; it's a fundamental aspect of a child's well-being. Children require a continuous intake of water to regulate their body temperature and facilitate essential bodily functions. The risk of dehydration is highest among young children and infants. Keep a close eye on signs of thirst, as they could indicate early dehydration. Combat mild cases by administering oral rehydration fluids or water at home, steering clear of sugary beverages.

Why do children need to stay hydrated?

Explore the concept of fluid resilience in nurturing children's health by understanding the role of hydration in their body composition. A substantial portion of a child's body is comprised of water, a key factor in regulating body temperature, producing bodily fluids, and supporting day-to-day functions. Neglecting hydration may compromise this resilience, resulting in issues such as compromised sports performance, fatigue, headaches, and irritability, with potential consequences for serious health problems. Maintaining optimal fluid balance is crucial for the body's resilience, and children, especially during warm weather or exercise, are susceptible to dehydration. Parents and caregivers are essential in fostering this resilience by ensuring children consistently receive sufficient water, recognizing that waiting for signs of thirst may indicate a delayed response to dehydration.

What causes dehydration?

Embark on a journey through the dehydration chronicles, understanding the stories of risk that impact children. Whether it's post-physical activity, severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, medication use like diuretics, insufficient fluid intake during illness, or age below six months, each tale contributes to the risk of dehydration. Hot weather weaves its own narrative, amplifying these challenges. Familiarity with these stories equips parents and caregivers to script a proactive narrative, preventing dehydration in their children.

What and how much should my child drink?

Nurture your child's health by encouraging them to drink right and thrive bright. Choose water over sugary and acidic options like sports drinks, fruit juices, soft drinks, and flavored mineral waters to prevent tooth decay. Water stands as the optimal choice, with daily intake recommendations adjusting for age: 4 to 8 years old – 5 cups; 9 to 13 years old – 5 to 6 cups; and 14 to 18 years old – 6 to 8 cups. Recognize the heightened need for water during exercise or in hot climates. Instill the importance of regular hydration, prompting your child to drink before, during, and after physical activity to fend off dehydration.

Tips to help your child stay hydrated

Assist your child in staying hydrated with these helpful tips:

Ensure they always pack a water bottle.
Remind them to drink before sports games and encourage water breaks during the game.
Promote a substantial drink afterward to compensate for lost fluids.
Keep a jug of fresh tap water easily accessible, cooling it in the fridge on warm days.
Send a labeled, clear water bottle to school daily.
Choose water over sugary drinks or juice when heading to the shops or the park.
Set a positive example—adults should showcase proper hydration by consuming plenty of water.

Signs and symptoms of severe dehydration

Maintain an emergency watch by spotting signs of severe dehydration in children. If your child is incredibly thirsty, lethargic, confused, or drowsy, respond promptly by seeking medical attention. Monitor for paleness, cold hands or feet, rapid breathing, and an accelerated heart rate. Dark and sunken eyes further signify the gravity of severe dehydration. In the presence of these symptoms, consult your GP urgently or visit the nearest hospital emergency department for swift medical care.

Dehydration treatment

When your child is dehydrated, the most effective treatment involves increasing fluid intake, such as water or oral rehydration solutions (like Gastrolyte, HYDRAlyte, Pedialyte, and Repalyte). These solutions can be readily obtained from your local pharmacy or supermarket. It's important to avoid high-sugar drinks, such as flat lemonade or sports drinks, as they can exacerbate dehydration. Babies and young children, being more susceptible to severe dehydration, require special attention. If you're breastfeeding, offer more frequent feeds to your baby. For bottle-fed babies older than 6 months, replace formula feeds with oral rehydration solution or water for the initial 12 hours, followed by normal formula in smaller, more frequent amounts. For infants under 6 months exhibiting signs of dehydration, seek prompt medical attention.