Babies rely on proper hydration for growth and development, but they can’t tell you when something is wrong, so it’s important to know the signs of dehydration. It can develop quickly due to illness, heat, or if they are not fed enough. So parents need to be aware and consider hydration seriously.
Here, we’re going to discuss signs of dehydration in babies, the causes of dehydration, and when to contact a pediatrician in Cumming, GA.
Reasons Behind Dehydration in Babies
Babies may be more prone to dehydration compared with older children or adults. This is because:
- They have a greater percentage of water in their bodies
- They can lose fluids faster due to sweat, urine, and stools
- They may refuse to eat or drink when sick
Common causes are:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Poor feeding (breast or bottle)
- Heat or overheating
Common Signs of Dehydration in Babies
Watch for these warning signs that may suggest your baby is not getting enough fluids:
1. A Drop in Wet Diapers
You should expect your baby to have at least 6 wet diapers in a day. If you haven’t changed a wet diaper in over 6 to 8 hours, your baby could be dehydrated.
2. Dry mouth and lips
Look for dry, sticky lips or a dry tongue. A hydrated baby will typically have a moist mouth.
3. No tears when crying
If your baby is crying and no tears are coming out, they may not have enough fluid intake.
4. Sunken eyes or fontanelle
A sunken fontanelle (soft spot) at the top of your baby’s head can also indicate dehydration. You may notice their eyes look hollow or sunken as well.
5. Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
Dehydrated babies can exhibit lethargy or unusual sleepiness. Poor feedings or skin pinch reaction time would be important quantifiers seeking medical attention as an immediate next step.
6. Irritable
Occasionally, babies exhibit fussiness or difficulty soothing due to dehydration.
What can you do at Home?
Mild dehydration can often be treated at home if actions are taken promptly:
- Breastfeed or bottle feed your baby more frequently and offer smaller and more frequent feeds.
- If your doctor told you to use oral rehydration solutions (ORS), please do so. These solutions can help replace fluids and electrolytes.
- Keep your baby cool. If the weather is warm, dress your baby in lightweight clothing and keep them in a shaded and cool place.
However, if your baby shows more serious signs or they do not improve very quickly, do not delay. Call your pediatrician in Cumming, GA, as soon as possible.
When to Call a Pediatrician
Call your child’s pediatrician right away if your baby:
– Has less than 3 wet diapers total in 24 hours, or less than 1 in the last 8 hours
– Is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
– Has bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that is very watery
– Is unusually sleepy/unresponsive
– Has a fever and is not feeding
This is moderate to severe dehydration and requires medical attention.
Get Expert Help from the Best Pediatrician in Cumming, GA
Dehydration in babies can worsen quickly from mild to severe, which is why it is important to spot the signs and act quickly.
At Sun Pediatrics, caring for your child is our top priority.
If you are unsure whether your baby has any symptoms or needs assistance caring for your baby when they are ill, we are here to help with a team of caring and knowledgeable pediatricians.
We have the best pediatrician in Cumming, GA Sun Pediatrics is who you can trust, along with same-day appointments, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Schedule your visit today to keep your baby safe, healthy, and smiling.
