Toddlers are typically an active part of your household, so it's startling to see them slowed down by illness. Diarrhea, a lack of fluid and the flu can lead to dehydration in your 18-month-old. Although you can treat mild dehydration at home if you recognize it quickly, more serious and extensive cases call for immediate medical attention.
Decreased Urine
When your toddler's body doesn't have sufficient fluid, it may first become evident in his diaper or potty. Healthy children urinate at least once every eight hours, but typically even more frequently than that, thanks to adequate intake of fluids such as water, juice and milk. If your toddler hasn't urinated for eight hours, or his urine is dark in color and strong-smelling, it's likely that he's dehydrated and needs fluid quickly.
Behavioral Changes
When your normally active 18-month-old suddenly slows down and becomes less responsive, it's the collaborative work of dehydration paired with any number of illnesses or activities, such as hiking in the heat, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration often results in smaller children becoming easily fatigued, fussy and less responsive. Since changes in behavior are usually symptomatic of more severe dehydration, it's important that you contact your child's pediatrician for further direction.
Weight Loss
Pediatrician Dr. William Sears' website notes that weight loss is a severe and worrisome symptom of extreme dehydration, especially if that weight loss is sudden. By watching your child carefully and weighing him frequently while he's wearing a dry diaper, you'll have a clearer idea as to how an illness and subsequent dehydration are affecting his body. A general rule of thumb is that a 5-percent weight loss denotes mild to moderate dehydration and merits a call to your pediatrician, while a 10-percent weight loss over the course of a few days requires immediate medical attention.
Appearance
Your toddler's appearance is also affected by dehydration. His eyes become sunken into his face, while his lips appear chapped and dry. A dehydrated toddler might also have dry, chalky skin, due to moisture loss. Without adequate fluid, your 18-month-old cries but without the presence of tears, since the body can't produce the necessary water. A change in outward appearance is a serious symptom which requires emergency medical attention for rehydration and a checkup to treat the underlying cause.
