If your child plays and sweats heavily or has recently suffered an illness that included a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, he/she should take enough fluids to recover from possible dehydration.
According to Babycenter.com, you can know when your child is dehydrated when he/she:
- Spends more than six to eight hours without wetting the diaper
- Has dark yellow or brown urine in the diaper and that smells stronger than normal
- Is lethargic and without energy
- Has dry mouth and dry lips
- Does not tear when crying
Signs that a child can be severely dehydrated include:
- Sunken eyes
- Cold hands and feet, which may seem to have spots
- Excessive drowsiness or nervousness
- The fontanelle (soft space of his head where the bones have not developed completely) looks sunken
If you suspect that your baby is dehydrated, visit your pediatrician immediately for instructions on how to hydrate him/her.
Oftentimes, a phone call to your doctor will suffice, as he or she can suggest some electrolytes such as Pedialyte, Infalyte, and Revital, but you can never be too careful. In severe cases, your child may need to be hydrated intravenously.
The amount of fluid that should be given to your baby or child will depend on his/her age and weight, which is why you should visit your pediatrician immediately. Do not self-prescribe and give medicine that you have saved or bought in the pharmacy, such as an antidiarrheal medications, if the child’s doctor did not prescribe it.
