Dehydration In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Dehydration is a condition that happens when your child's body does not have enough water and fluids. Dehydration may be caused by not drinking enough water, losing too much fluid, or both. Fluid loss may also cause electrolytes (minerals), such as sodium, to be lost as well. Your child's dehydration may be mild to severe.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Follow up with your child's primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.

Use an oral rehydration solution:

• You can buy oral rehydration solution (ORS) at most grocery stores and pharmacies. An ORS contains the right amounts of salt, sugar, and minerals in water. It is the best oral liquid for replacing body fluids in young children.
  
  
• If your child is vomiting, give the ORS in small amounts (about 1 teaspoon) every few minutes. If your child vomits, wait 30 minutes and try again. Ask caregivers how much and how often to give ORS to your child.
  
  
• A sports drink is not the same as an ORS. For young children, ORS is preferred. Ask if you should give sports drinks to your child.

Nutrition:

• Your baby should continue to breastfeed or drink formula even while he is getting an ORS.
  
  
• If your child has diarrhea or is vomiting, it may be helpful to avoid dairy products and spicy foods until he feels better.
  
  
• Do not give your child soft drinks (soda) or fruit juices. These drinks can make your child's condition worse.

Prevent dehydration:

• Offer your child liquids and keep him cool: Ask your child's primary healthcare provider how much liquid your child should drink each day. During sports or exercise and on warm days, your child needs to drink more than usual. He may need to drink up to 8 ounces (1 cup) of water every 20 minutes. When it is hot, limit the time your child spends outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Dress your child in lightweight clothes.
  
  
• If your child is ill:
  
  
  • Offer him extra liquids: During illness, your child needs to drink more than usual. Babies should breastfeed more often or be given extra formula. Offer your older child more liquid than usual. Ask which liquids your child should drink when he is ill.
    
    
  • Check his urine: Keep track of how often your child urinates. If he is urinating less than usual or his urine is darker, give him more liquids to drink. Babies should have 4 to 6 wet diapers a day.

Contact your child's primary healthcare provider if:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child has vomited more than twice in the past 24 hours.
  
  
• Your child has had more than 5 episodes of diarrhea in the past 24 hours.
  
  
• Your child has stopped breastfeeding or drinking formula.
  
  
• Your child seems to be getting more ill or is losing weight.
  
  
• Your child is more irritable, fussy, or tired than usual.
  
  
• Your child urinates less than usual, or his urine is dark yellow.
  
  
• Your child has a dry mouth and lips.
  
  
• You have questions about your child's condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your child will not drink or breastfeed at all.
  
  
• Your child is not drinking the ORS or vomits after he drinks it.
  
  
• Your child is not able to keep food or liquids down.
  
  
• Your child has a very dry mouth or cries without tears.
  
  
• Your child has blood in his vomit or bowel movement.
  
  
• Your child has cold hands or feet, or his face looks pale.
  
  
• Your child seems confused and is not answering you, or you cannot wake him.
  
  
• Your child has a seizure.

Learn more about Dehydration In Children (Aftercare Instructions)