Prepare for an emergency response by identifying signs of severe dehydration in your child. If they exhibit extreme thirst, lethargy, confusion, or drowsiness, take immediate action by seeking medical attention. Keep an eye out for paleness, cold extremities, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. Dark and sunken eyes are additional markers of severe dehydration. In the face of these symptoms, consult your GP urgently or visit the nearest hospital emergency department for swift medical care.

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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?

Exercise H2O vigilance in safeguarding the well-being of children by understanding the importance of hydration and their body composition. A significant portion of a child's body is composed of water, serving a crucial role in regulating body temperature, producing bodily fluids, and supporting daily functions. Neglecting hydration may compromise their well-being, leading to issues such as diminished sports performance, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings, with potential consequences for serious health problems. Maintaining optimal fluid balance is essential for overall health, and children, particularly in warm weather or during physical activity, are prone to dehydration. Parents and caregivers are urged to exercise vigilance by ensuring children consistently receive sufficient water, acknowledging that waiting for signs of thirst may be a delayed response to dehydration.

What causes dehydration?

Navigate the landscape of dehydration by identifying risks that affect the health of children. After physical activity, during severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, medication use like diuretics, insufficient fluid intake during illness, or for those below six months old, the risk of dehydration is heightened. Hot weather compounds these challenges. Recognizing these risks is crucial for parents and caregivers to chart a course that safeguards their children's hydration.

What and how much should my child drink?

Prioritize your child's well-being by opting for healthy sips, with water leading the way. Steer clear of sugary and acidic alternatives like sports drinks, fruit juices, soft drinks, and flavored mineral waters to protect against tooth decay. Water stands as the healthiest choice, with recommended daily intake varying by 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. Acknowledge the increased water needs during exercise or in hot climates. Regardless of the weather, instill the importance of regular hydration, encouraging your child to drink before, during, and after physical activity to prevent 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 mild dehydration

Unveil the clues of mild dehydration in your child through signs like:

Thirstiness (a precursor to dehydration).
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Nausea.
Headache.
Dark yellow or brown urine.
Dry tongue, mouth, throat, or lips.
Infrequent toilet visits or diminished urine output.

Dehydration treatment

Customized treatment for child dehydration involves a hydration remedy through increased fluid intake, whether water or oral rehydration solutions like Gastrolyte, HYDRAlyte, Pedialyte, and Repalyte, accessible at local pharmacies or supermarkets. It's crucial to steer clear of high-sugar drinks like flat lemonade or sports drinks, as they can worsen dehydration. Given the heightened risk of severe dehydration in babies and young children, special care is necessary. Breastfeeding mothers should offer more frequent feeds, while bottle-fed babies older than 6 months should receive oral rehydration solution or water for the initial 12 hours, followed by regular formula in smaller, more frequent amounts. Immediate medical attention is advised if infants under 6 months show signs of dehydration.