When your baby is ill or has been outdoors for a long period of time, you should monitor her for signs of dehydration, or an abnormal loss of fluids. Babies can become dehydrated quickly. As a result, you should learn the signs and effects of dehydration so that you are able to respond appropriately if your child becomes dehydrated.
Causes of Dehydration
Dehydration can be caused by illness. If your baby has been vomiting or has diarrhea, he may be at risk for dehydration. He may be losing water faster than he can replace it by nursing or drinking formula. He can also be at risk for dehydration if he has a fever or is outside for extended periods in warm weather, because he can lose moisture from his skin through evaporation.
Symptoms of Dehydration
The effects of dehydration in infants include not urinating in over eight hours, crying without tears, dry mouth, a sunken soft spot or excessive sleepiness. In addition to these symptoms, her skin may feel very dry or cool, she might be passing only small amounts of dark yellow urine, she may lose weight, her skin may appear to be less elastic or her eyes may appear sunken.
Treatments
Treatments for dehydration in infants include nursing him or giving him formula, or giving him an oral rehydration solution designed to quickly restore his fluid and electrolyte levels. You can purchase an oral reyhdration solution at most pharmacies or grocery stores. In severe cases, your baby may need to be hospitalized. Consult your pediatrician immediately if you suspect your baby has become dehydrated and follow her instructions carefully. Your physician will design a treatment plan that is based on your infant's age, the severity of the condition and whether he is breastfed or bottle-fed.
Preventing Dehydration
The first step in preventing dehydration is to recognize the situations in which your infant can become dehydrated and taking steps to keep her hydrated. If your infant is vomiting, has a fever, has diarrhea, or has been outdoors in warm weather for an extended period of time, nurse her frequently or give her formula more often. In addition, if your infant is old enough to eat solid food, make sure that her food is age-appropriate so it is easy for her to digest. This will help to prevent diarrhea or vomiting due to indigestion.
