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.

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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 puzzle of hydration and its crucial role in children's well-being by examining the composition of their bodies. A significant proportion of a child's body is comprised of water, essential for regulating body temperature, producing bodily fluids, and supporting daily functions. Dehydration emerges as a culprit behind issues such as diminished sports performance, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings, with potential implications for serious health problems. Maintaining an optimal fluid balance is imperative for the body's peak performance, and children, particularly during hot weather or physical activity, are prone to dehydration. Parents and caregivers bear the responsibility of ensuring consistent water intake for children, recognizing that waiting until thirst sets in may indicate a delayed response to dehydration.

What causes dehydration?

Piece together the puzzle of dehydration by identifying influential factors affecting children. Post-physical activity, during severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, medication use like diuretics, inadequate fluid intake during illness, age below six months – these are all contributors to the risk of dehydration. Hot weather adds an extra layer of vulnerability. Understanding these factors is crucial for parents and caregivers to proactively address and prevent 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

Be hydration helpers by guiding your child to stay refreshed with these helpful tips:

Always ensure they pack a water bottle.
Remind them to drink before sports games and encourage water breaks during the game.
Facilitate a substantial drink afterward to make up for any lost fluids.
Keep a jug of fresh tap water within easy reach, chilling it in the fridge on warm days.
Send a labeled, clear water bottle to school each day.
Opt for a water bottle when heading out, favoring water over sugary drinks or juice.
Lead by example—ensure adults model proper hydration by drinking plenty of water.

Signs and symptoms of mild dehydration

Sharpen your ability to spot the signs of mild dehydration in your child, such as:

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

Dehydration treatment

Effectively treating child dehydration involves increasing fluid intake through water or oral rehydration solutions like Gastrolyte, HYDRAlyte, Pedialyte, and Repalyte, readily available at local pharmacies or supermarkets. It is essential to avoid high-sugar drinks such as 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. For infants under 6 months showing signs of dehydration, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.