Dehydration can be caused by fever, vomiting, diarrhea or not consuming enough liquids. In infants, dehydration can be life-threatening, according to Dr. Edward Bell, who is the professor of pediatrics in the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine. If your baby has any symptoms of dehydration, it is important that you seek medical care for him right away.
Dry Mouth, Eyes and Skin
If your baby gets dehydrated, you may notice that his mouth feels dry and sticky. When he cries, he may not produce any tears, and his skin may feel dry and cool. It is important to note that many newborn babies don't produce tears when they cry, even when they are not dehydrated.
Sunken Eyes and Fontanelles
A baby who is dehydrated may have the appearance of having sunken eyes. Also, a young baby may have depressed fontanelles, or "soft spots."
Lack of Wet Diapers
If your baby goes six to eight hours without wetting her diaper, she may be dehydrated. Another urinary symptom of dehydration is dark yellow urine. This indicates that the urine is concentrated, and does not contain an adequate amount of water.
Irritability and Lethargy
Your young baby may become very irritable and fussy if he is dehydrated. As he becomes more dehydrated, he may become lethargic. The National Institutes of Health states that if a baby becomes severely dehydrated, he may also go into a comatose state.
Clinical Symptoms
When you take your baby to the doctor, he may find that your infant has low blood pressure, an abnormally fast heart rate and a lack of elasticity in her skin. Bloodwork may indicate low sodium and potassium levels, or concentrated blood.
