Dehydration occurs when more body fluid is lost than is replaced, such as through diarrhea, vomiting, fever, excessive sweating or failure to drink enough fluids. Moderate or severe dehydration is a dangerous condition in infants and young children, and knowing how to recognize the early signs can be life saving. Mild cases are usually treatable at home with rest, fluids, and fever reducers. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency that may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Step 1
Feel your child's mouth, tongue and lips. If they feel dry or sticky, it likely means he is dehydrated. His lips may also peel or crack. A healthy, hydrated child produces sufficient saliva to keep the inside of his mouth moist.
Step 2
Watch for tears when your child is crying. While not all crying is accompanied by tears, a lack of tears may indicate dehydration.
Step 3
Monitor your child's urine output. The Cleveland Clinic states that well-hydrated infants should have six or more wet diapers each day and toddlers should urinate at least once every eight hours. During early stages of dehydration, the quantity and frequency of urine is normal but it is dark yellow in color and may have a strong odor.
Step 4
Check the top of your infant's head for a sunken soft spot. A sunken soft spot is an early sign of dehydration in children less than 18 months old, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The soft spot, or fontanelle, is located toward the face or front of the head, in the center of the top of the skull.
Step 5
Press your child's fingernail tip and hold until it turns white. Release and then check the color. If the nail does not return to a pink shade within two seconds, he may be dehydrated, according to the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital.
Step 6
Look for other signs of dehydration in your child, such as sunken eyes, rapid breathing, blotchy hands or feet, irritability, lethargy or unusual sleepiness. Your child's skin may be dry, cool and wrinkled. The Nemours Foundation explains that older children may not exhibit all of these signs and symptoms, but they may complain of feeling tired or dizzy.
