If your 6-month-old is dehydrated or becoming dehydrated, he has lost too many fluids and his electrolytes are imbalanced. In an infant, the condition usually results from illness. Fluids are rapidly lost via diarrhea and vomit, and via sweat if your baby has a fever or is overheated. Dehydration is serious, and can quickly become life-threatening in a 6-month-old.
Early Warning Signs
Monitor your 6-month-old baby closely for early warning signs of dehydration during hot or humid weather, and whenever she's sick. Caught early, you should be able to reverse the trend toward dehydration at home. Note if your child is constipated or doesn't urinate for more than three hours, and if her urine is darker or stronger-smelling than usual. Your baby's mouth, including her lips, gums, teeth or tongue, may become dry and sticky, too. Watch for fewer tears than normal when your infant cries. Other signs include less energy and increased fussiness, but these are likely to be present during illness with or without dehydration.
Signs of Serious Dehydration
Some signs and symptoms indicate your 6-month-old is already dangerously dehydrated. If your baby's mouth and mucous membranes are dried out, and if he seems to have an unquenchable thirst, these can indicate severe dehydration. Observe your infant for signs of disorientation or confusion, and watch for a lack of tears while he cries. Urine, bowel movements and sweat may be absent, as well. The soft spots on your baby's head, as well as his eyes, can become sunken with serious dehydration, and the heartbeat and breathing may accelerate. Your baby may also develop a fever, and his skin may noticeably lack elasticity.
What to Do for Early Warning Signs
Call your pediatrician for advice if you notice early signs of dehydration in your 6-month-old, and ask whether you should go in for a checkup. There are general guidelines for what to do, but always follow your pediatrician's advice first. With early dehydration, you'll probably be instructed to get an infant electrolyte replacement beverage. If your baby is sick, feeding him 1 or 2 tsp. at a time every 15 minutes or so makes it more likely he'll keep it down. Use these in conjunction with your normal feeding habits. Keep your baby in just a diaper if he has a fever, and treat as instructed by your pediatrician.
What to Do for Serious Signs
Hopefully, you'll notice the early warning signs of dehydration and take steps to replenish your 6-month-old's lost fluids and balance her electrolytes. Even if you're diligent, though, an infant can become seriously dehydrated quite quickly. In addition, if your baby continues vomiting or having diarrhea, it may prove impossible for you to keep her well-hydrated. Treat serious signs of dehydration in a 6-month-old as a medical emergency, and go to the nearest emergency room. Your baby most likely needs intravenous fluids.
