How to spot dehydration in babies

With summer fast approaching, keeping your baby cool and hydrated is so important. Did you know babies are susceptible to dehydration because their bodies contain more water than that of an adult? They also lose fluids much faster which is especially the case in warmer weather or when they are ill. Here’s how to spot deydration in babies and how to treat it.

How much fluid do babies need?

Fluid requirements will largely come down to your baby’s age and whether you are choosing to breastfeed or formula feed. Newborns and babies under six months of age tend to get the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. Even when hot weather hits, they don’t usually need any additional water, unless, of course, you have been advised this by a healthcare professional.

When your child reaches six months, they may begin eating solid food. They may start drinking small amounts of water in conjunction with their milk feeds. The NHS recommends offering them small sips of cooled, boiled water regularly and with meals, especially if the weather is hot.

If you have a child who is over 12 months, then they will need to be encouraged to drink water on a regular basis and throughout the day.

It’s vital that you keep an eye on your child’s water intake, especially if they happen to be refusing solids or if they are refusing to feed. They should also be given additional water if they have diarrhoea or if they are vomiting.

Signs of dehydration

Some of the things you need to look out for to spot dehydration in babies includes them having fewer wet nappies. If your baby is having fewer than six wet nappies in a day, then this is a big sign that they may be dehydrated.

If your child has very dark yellow urine, then this is another sign that they are not drinking enough water. Things like this, combined with a dry mouth and lips, all show that your child needs to be offered extra water during the day.

If you have a very young baby, then they may also have a sunken fontanelle, the soft spot on top of your baby’s head. They may also be lethargic or, in some instances, irritable. Crying without tears can also be a sign that your baby needs additional fluids, as well as cool and blotchy hands or feet. This can be a sign that the blood flow is restricted and that dehydration is present.

Symptoms like this can develop very quickly if you have a young baby, so you need to act quickly if you suspect that there is an issue. Now you know how to spot dehydration in babies, here’s how to treat it and keep your baby hydrated.

Treating dehydration

If you are on holiday with your baby, then you may find that they become dehydrated faster. If you want to stop this from escalating, then you need to prepare ahead of time, so you have everything you need.

Essentials include having clean and sterile bottles, so you can keep offering your baby water. You should also make sure that you increase fluids and that you offer them sips of cooled, boiled water. Oral rehydration solutions are also very good for babies who have vomiting or diarrhoea and are important if you are travelling.

Dress your baby in light clothing and, if symptoms don’t improve within a few hours, or if you know that they have a very high temperature, make sure you seek medical help.

Keeping your baby hydrated

Here at Milton, we understand how important it is to keep your baby hydrated. At the same time, you also need to make sure that you are sterilising your bottles and dummies properly. It’s easy to overlook simple things like baby hygiene when you are out on the go, but there are easy solutions out there.

For example, Milton’s cold water sterilising method which allows you to sterilise on-the-go with no heat required. It’s a reliable and fuss-free way for you to make sure that your baby always has access to clean and sterile bottles.

Shop our sterilising products today and keep your baby hydrated during these warm summer months.