Signs that Your Baby is Dehydrated and What You Should Do ABout It

Severe dehydration can be life threatening, especially in infants. Dehydration means that the body has lost too much fluid and salts, which can make body cells not to function normally. Salts in the body are called electrolytes. These salts need to be balanced within the body in order for cells to perform their normal functions.

The most common cause of dehydration in infants is diarrhea, which is passing loose or watery stools too much and to often in a day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death in children below five years old worldwide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children is infection with a virus called rotavirus. The virus can cause vomiting and diarrhea in babies, which could lead to severe dehydration if not treated.

Babies can get diarrhea when they are given contaminated food or water. Older people can also pass diarrhea-causing microorganisms to babies when they do not practice proper hygiene. In some cases, diarrhea can be caused by another digestive problem, such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Signs of dehydration in babies include having dry mouth and tongue; absence of tears when crying; sunken eyes, cheeks or abdomen; and no wet diapers for 3 hours or more. The baby may also be unusually sleepy or seem too drowsy than usual. Depending on the cause, the baby may also have high fever or having a temperature of above 102 degrees.

Try to pinch and release the skin of the baby. If it does not flatten back as it should, it could be a sign of dehydration.

If you notice these signs in your baby, do not hesitate to seek medical care immediately. Severe dehydration can be fatal if not treated promptly. Baby having severe dehydration may need hospitalization so that lost fluids and electrolytes can be replaced intravenously.

Because dehydration in babies is usually caused by diarrhea, preventing it from occurring in babies is essential. There are things parents can do to avoid their baby from getting diarrhea. These include:

Avoid giving water from unknown sources. If you are in a place or country with high rate of diarrhea incidence, avoid giving water from the faucet. Use bottled water or boil the water to kill the microorganism that might be lurking in the water.

Not giving food with unclean hands. Always wash your hands when preparing infant formula or baby food. Also, avoid giving the baby food or beverages that has not been prepared by you or from unknown sources.

Observe proper hygiene when you or a family member has diarrhea. Washing hands with soap and water should be observed, especially after using the bathroom.

Have your baby vaccinated. Vaccine is available for prevention of diarrhea caused by the rotavirus. The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination of infants with the rotavirus vaccine in the United States. Ask your doctor about this type of vaccination.

Sources:

Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

About Rotavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).