Dehydration in babies is a worrying phenomenon that many parents may face. Despite appearing healthy, children are more vulnerable to dehydration.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Atul Palve, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital in Lullanagar, Pune, shared, “Parents should be alert and recognize the signs, which include less urination, dry mouth and May include sunken eyes. This emphasizes the importance of early intervention and regular monitoring of the child’s hydration level. If parents suspect that their child is dehydrated, they should seek medical attention, as prompt treatment can prevent long-term health problems.
She stressed that by staying informed and proactive in maintaining their child’s hydration needs, parents can ensure optimal health and well-being for their little ones. Dr. Atul Palve reveals, “When a child’s body lacks adequate fluids, dehydration can occur. Although it is natural for babies to lose fluids daily, it is important to replenish what is lost, especially when they are unwell. Infants and young children are at higher risk of dehydration, so it is important to closely monitor their fluid intake if they are experiencing inclement weather. Recognizing the specific causes and signs of dehydration can help you detect it early and ensure your child remains well hydrated.
Warning that dehydration in infants can lead to serious complications such as electrolyte imbalance, heat-related illnesses and even organ damage, Dr Atul Palve pointed out that since babies are unable to effectively communicate their distress, Dr. Therefore, adults should recognize the early signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth. , decreased urine output, and lethargy. According to him, the signs are:
- Sunken eyes – sunken fontanel in newborns
- cry without tears
- extreme irritability
- hands and feet become cold or discolored
- wrinkled skin
- dry mouth
- decreased bowel movements or constipation
- rapid breathing
- increased heart rate
If you’re looking for some tips to make sure your baby or toddler stays hydrated when they’re unwell, Dr. Atul Palve recommends, “Even if they don’t feel like feeding or drinking fluids: Continue breastfeeding the baby. If they are experiencing vomiting, consider feeding them smaller, more frequent feeds to help keep them hydrated without causing more stomach upset. Avoid giving soda, or undiluted juice, to children of any age as these beverages do not have the proper balance of electrolytes and may aggravate their illness symptoms.
Talking about when to consult a doctor regarding dehydration, she advised, “If you notice signs of dehydration in your sick child due to inadequate fluid intake, be aware of the symptoms and rehydrate them quickly.” Contact their doctor to discuss methods. Your child’s doctor may suggest oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to help them maintain hydration and replenish essential nutrients. Severe dehydration may require hospital treatment to restore your child’s fluids. The need of the hour is to ensure that you intervene timely when it comes to your child.”
