Dehydration Symptoms in Infants

Many factors such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, excessive perspiration, increased urination and burns are known to be the common cause dehydration. This condition occurs when the body starts eliminating more salts and water than replacing them. This causes the system to dry out as there isn't enough fluids and water to carry out its normal function. Cases which are mild or moderate could be dealt with by increasing fluid intake. However, severe cases are a medical emergency. Knowing about the important signs of dehydration in infants is one of the wisest things parents can do for their child. This is due to the obvious reason because once the symptoms start showing up, required measures can be taken immediately to keep matters getting out of hands.

Symptoms Exhibited by Infants Affected With Dehydration

One of the main symptoms of the condition can be recognized by checking your baby's diapers. If your baby has had less than 6 wet diapers a day, then this may be an indicative of dehydration. A urine that is dark yellow or amber in color also signifies dehydration. Your baby will be more sleepy than usual and be low in activity. Dehydrated babies usually seem tired even after a nap or waking up in the morning. Another important indicant of babies who are dehydrated is less or no tearing when crying. Drying out of the lips and parching of the mouth are also some noticeable symptoms which you must not ignore once they start showing up. If your baby's feet are cold to touch and has splotch appearance, you may suspect him/her to be dehydrated. Also care to check fontanels, which are the soft spots on the baby's head. If they seem sunken then your baby must be suffering from severe case of dehydration. Even sunken eyes indicates that the condition has progressed to a critical stage. Other symptoms which they would not be able to express include extreme thirst, headache, dizziness and rapid heartbeat. So this makes it extremely vital for parents to take a note of all the symptoms which I have described earlier.

Treatment Options

If your infant has been suffering from diarrhea, vomiting or fever, then it is best to give her an oral rehydration solution. Common one is Pedialyte. You can easily avail this product at any drugstore or pharmacy. This solution is best when given as soon as the symptoms start to set in. At times, you may not have access to such products and so in such cases, you can make some of your own. Make a mix of salt (½), baking soda (½), sugar (3 tbsp.) and purified drinking water (1 liter). The quantities must be accurate as otherwise, the solution may be of no help. It is also important to keep in mind the importance of giving rehydration solution in ample quantity. Although the doctor may prescribe specific amounts depending upon the age of your infant and severity of the condition, typically, the solution has to be given until the urine becomes clear in color. Breast feeding the baby along with administrating the rehydration solution also hasten the recovery. The best liquid for your dehydrated infant is an oral rehydration solution. Foods which must be avoided include milk, sodas, fruit juices or gelatins.

To conclude with some preventive measures, ensure that your baby is getting enough fluids, by giving him/her small amounts of distilled water. Keeping the temperature indoors comfortable and not too warm also helps in preventing dehydration. Also, dress your baby in cotton, loose fitting clothing. Avoid taking your babies outside if it is too hot. If in case your baby is suffering from diarrhea and that too on a hot day, then best it is to give her small amounts of Pedialyte. It is also important to increase the fluid intake when your baby is ill.