When we sweat, our body loses water through tiny pores in our skin. Be, careful about signs of dehydration in toddlers activities like crying or using the toilet can also reduce the water content in our bodies. When our bodies do not get enough water, we experience dehydration. But how do we recognize the signs of dehydration in toddlers?
When the weather is too hot, or the child has vomiting or diarrhea, the body can rapidly lose water these are the common signs of dehydration in toddlers. If not treated early, it can lead to severe health complications.
As a parent, we have enough knowledge to recognize the signs of dehydration in your kids as well as take adequate measures to treat it.
Dehydration symptoms in kids
When a toddler is sick with the stomach flu or other illness which leads to immediate water loss, then you should be monitoring your kid for signs of dehydration. Even otherwise, your child can become dehydrated due to hot weather or not drinking enough water, but such dehydration occurs slowly over time. Here are a few symptoms of dehydration in kids:
- Less frequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Dry skin and lips
- Laziness and cranky behavior
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth and crying without tears
- A rapid heartbeat or fast breathing
- In babies, there can be a soft sunken spot on the head
In cases where the dehydration has become serious, your toddler can also become unconscious.
What to do when you find signs of dehydration in kids?
As soon as you recognize a few of the above signs, it is important to assist your child in replenishing their body fluids. While the first thought in your mind will be to give your kid plenty of water, you can take some more steps to ensure your child’s water requirements are met:
- Give them an ORS solution. An ORS(oral rehydration solution) is a combination of dry salts mixed in clean water, which can help your child’s body meet its fluid requirements better than plain water. If you can’t find an ORS solution, you can give your child some juice or milk. Keep giving rehydration solutions every 3-4 hours.
- For dehydration in breastfeeding infants, you can give them the rehydration solution in their feeding bottle. But keep breastfeeding them as usual.
- If your toddler is vomiting, keep giving them fluids in small amounts, even if it is only a spoonful. Eventually, they will be able to increase their fluid intake without puking it out.
- Keep giving your child fluids till their urine is clear or light-colored.
- If the vomiting or diarrhea has increased, or your child is showing more signs of dehydration, call the doctor. The doctor can provide medical assistance by rehydrating your child through an IV.
In most cases, dehydration home by constant intake of fluids. Ensure that your child continues to drink enough water even after they have completely recovered, as this can prevent dehydration. By learning about the signs of dehydration and how to treat it, you can now be assured of your child’s health and happiness. Happy parenting!