Keeping your child hydrated involves adopting best practices during illness. Provide extra liquids or oral rehydration solutions, administering small, regular doses, particularly if vomiting is present. These best practices empower parents to play an active role in their child's recovery, ensuring optimal hydration and well-being.

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What Is Dehydration?

Understanding dehydration involves recognizing the body's inadequacy of water.
Dehydration occurs when the body is deficient in water.

What Causes Dehydration?

Common triggers for dehydration in children include vomiting, diarrhea, and the avoidance of drinking due to mouth sores or a sore throat. Maintain awareness, particularly in hot weather or when children are participating in vigorous physical activities.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration?

Knowing the signs and symptoms of dehydration in children is essential for prompt intervention. Keep an eye out for a consistently dry or sticky mouth, limited tears during crying, and sunken eyes. In infants, check for a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the head. Reduced urine output leading to fewer wet diapers is a clear red flag. Additionally, watch for signs such as irritability, increased drowsiness, or bouts of dizziness, as they may indicate dehydration.

How Is Dehydration Treated?

Childhood dehydration can arise from issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or oral discomfort, leading to reduced fluid intake. Recognizing signs such as a dry mouth, fewer tears, or sunken eyes is essential.

Managing mild dehydration involves providing extra liquids, with oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte proving effective. Severe cases may require prompt medical attention, underlining the importance of tailored treatment approaches.

If your child has mild dehydration and your doctor says it’s OK to start treatment at home

Empowering parents to manage their child's mild dehydration at home involves providing small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution (ORS). Administer 1–2 teaspoons every few minutes for infants and 1–2 tablespoons for older kids. For infants, continue breastfeeding or formula feeding, and consider offering electrolyte ice pops to older children. Despite initial resistance to solid foods, encouraging regular eating is crucial. As your child's condition improves, transition from ORS to their usual diet. Avoid substituting plain water for ORS in infants and refrain from offering sports drinks, soda, or undiluted juice, as they can exacerbate symptoms. Always consult with your doctor before administering any medications for diarrhea or vomiting.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

It's time to consult your doctor if your child goes without drinking for more than a few hours.

Seek medical advice if your child, less than one year old, relies solely on oral rehydration solution and abstains from breast milk or formula for a full day.

Seek medical advice if your child goes 3–4 days without commencing solid food intake.

Seek medical attention if your child exhibits symptoms of dehydration, including dry mouth, decreased urination, fewer tears, or a sunken soft spot.

Seek medical advice if your child is displaying signs of crankiness, fussiness, or reduced activity levels for an extended period.