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.

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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?

Uncover the hazards of hydration by identifying factors that pose risks to children. Whether it's post-physical activity, severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, medication use like diuretics, inadequate fluid intake during illness, or the vulnerability of age below six months, each factor contributes to the risk of dehydration. Hot weather amplifies these hazards. Understanding these factors is essential for parents and caregivers to implement preventative strategies and ensure optimal hydration for their children.

What and how much should my child drink?

Opt for wisdom in hydration by adopting the best practices for your child's beverage choices. Prioritize water over sugary and acidic alternatives like sports drinks, fruit juices, soft drinks, and flavored mineral waters to combat tooth decay. Water emerges as the superior choice, with recommended daily intake adjusted 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. Regardless of the season, instill the habit of consistent hydration, prompting your child to drink before, during, and after physical activity to stave off dehydration.

Tips to help your child stay hydrated

Achieve hydration harmony for your child with these strategies:

Always have a water bottle on hand.
Remind them to hydrate before sports games and encourage water breaks during the game.
Promote a substantial drink afterward to replenish lost fluids.
Keep a jug of fresh tap water accessible, chilling it in the fridge on warm days.
Send a labeled, clear water bottle to school daily.
Opt for water, not sugary drinks or juice, when heading out.
Lead by example—adults should showcase proper hydration by drinking plenty of water.

Signs and symptoms of severe dehydration

Understand the critical conditions associated with severe dehydration by identifying signs in children. If your child is excessively 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 serve as additional indicators of severe dehydration. In the face of these symptoms, consult your GP urgently or visit the nearest hospital emergency department for immediate medical intervention.

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.