Proactive Parenting: Steps to Take When Dehydration Warning Signs Arise

Proactive Parenting: Steps to Take When Dehydration Warning Signs Arise

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Contact your healthcare professional if your child refuses to drink liquids for an extended period.

Consult your doctor if your child, aged under one, abstains from breast milk and formula, relying solely on oral rehydration solution for 24 hours.

It's recommended to contact your healthcare professional if your child goes 3–4 days without eating any solid food.

If your child has a dry mouth, reduced urination, fewer tears, or a sunken soft spot, consulting your doctor is advisable.

If your child's demeanor involves extended periods of crankiness, fussiness, or low activity, consulting with your doctor is recommended.

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What Is Dehydration?

In simple terms, dehydration is the consequence of insufficient water levels in the body.
Dehydration emerges when the body does not have enough water.

What Causes Dehydration?

Dehydration often results from vomiting, diarrhea, or reluctance to drink due to mouth sores or a sore throat. It's essential to remain vigilant, particularly in hot weather or when children are actively playing, to prevent dehydration.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration?

Spotting dehydration in children requires awareness of specific signals. Watch out for a dry or sticky mouth, few or absent tears during crying, and sunken eyes. In infants, pay attention to a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the head. Reduced urine output, leading to fewer wet diapers, is another key indicator. Additionally, if your child displays irritability, increased drowsiness, or experiences episodes of dizziness, these may signify dehydration.

How Is Dehydration Treated?

Examining the treatment of dehydration in children requires careful consideration of its severity. Mild cases can be handled at home by providing additional liquids, with oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and Enfalyte proving effective. These solutions, accessible without a prescription, provide the necessary components to combat dehydration.


For more severe cases, prompt medical attention at the emergency room or hospital is crucial. If access to oral rehydration solutions is limited, consulting with a healthcare professional for alternative liquid options is recommended.

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

If your child experiences mild dehydration and your healthcare provider approves at-home treatment, providing small sips of oral rehydration solution (ORS) is key. For infants, administer 1–2 teaspoons every few minutes, while older kids can benefit from 1–2 tablespoons at intervals. Breastfeeding or formula feeding can continue for babies, and older children may enjoy electrolyte ice pops. Although your child might not have a strong appetite initially, encouraging regular eating is vital. As they recover and appetite improves, transition from ORS to their usual diet. Avoid substituting plain water for ORS in babies 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.

How Can We Prevent Dehydration?

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.

Reading next

Child Health Priority: Knowing When Professional Intervention Is Vital
Pediatric Hydration: A Parent's Checklist for Seeking Medical Advice

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