Infants are more prone to dehydration than adults, the Cleveland Clinic warns. Because infants cannot explain the feelings of thirst or dry mouth that often are associated with dehydration, parents may not realize when their infant is dehydrated. However, by learning about the signs of infant dehydration, parents can better recognize when their infant is becoming dehydrated and take the appropriate measures to rehydrate him before serious health complications arise.
Fewer Wet Diapers
If an infant goes more than six hours without a wet diaper, she may be becoming dehydrated. Because of this, it is important for parents or caregivers to keep track of the time of diaper changes and let a doctor know if no urine is created within this time frame.
Darker Urine
When an infant is dehydrated, his urine typically will be darker than usual and also may smell stronger, reports the popular parenting website BabyCenter.com. Parents concerned about possible dehydration should check their infant's diaper for these symptoms.
Parched Mouth and Lips
Although older children may be able to express that their mouths are dry or parched, infants suffering from dehydration will not be able to do so. Parents need to pay close attention to how a baby's lips look and may even need to touch the inside of her mouth to determine if a normal amount of saliva is present.
Lethargy
A lethargic infant will appear dull, lifeless and may not seem to respond to stimulation. If this symptom is present with any of the other symptoms of dehydration, contact a doctor.
No Tears
Infants often cry, especially when they are not feeling well, but an infant who is dehydrated will do so without being able to produce any tears. Parents should monitor the eyes and tear ducts closely when their baby is crying to see if tears are being produced.
Symptoms of Severe Dehydration
If a parent does not notice the first symptoms of dehydration, a more severe case of dehydration may occur and new symptoms will occur, BabyCenter.com reports. These symptoms include hands or feet that feel cold and look splotchy as well as excessive fussiness or sleepiness. In addition, the fontanels--the soft spots on an infant's head--will be sunken into the skull. If any of these symptoms of severe dehydration are present, call a doctor immediately.
