Warning signs of dehydration in toddlers

Joan Kibugi

December 13, 2018 5:29 PM

Moms, look out for these signs

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Both kids and adults get dehydrated.

This is because we constantly lose water throughout the day through sweating, crying, breathing, urinating etc. Toddlers get enough water from eating and drinking, to replace the fluids they lose. However, in some cases, kids can lose more water than usual due to things like fevers, stomach flus, being out in hot weather which can result in too much fluid loss and this can lead to dehydration, which is quite dangerous as this means that the body does not have enough fluids and water to function properly.

Children are more at risk of being dehydrated than adults because they have smaller bodies, which means they have smaller reserves of water. Here are warning signs of dehydration in toddlers, to look out for:

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1. Dry, cracked lips.

2. Dark-colored urine.

3. Little or no urine for eight hours.

4. Cold or dry skin.

5. Sunken eyes or sunken soft on the head (for babies).

6. Excessive sleepiness.

7. Low energy levels.

8. No tears when crying.

9. Extreme fussiness.

10. Fast breathing or heart rate.

As you may have guessed, the only way to treat dehydration is to replenish the lost fluids. Keep giving your toddler liquids slowly until their urine is clear.

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If your toddler is vomiting, give them only a small amount at a time until they’re able to keep it down. They may only be able to tolerate a spoonful at a time, but anything is better than nothing. Gradually increase the frequency and amount. Giving too much too fast will often cause vomiting to return.

Also, ensure that your child constantly takes water especially before and after exercising and when it’s hot and humid outside. Also, teach your child how to wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet so as to avoid contacting diseases which could lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

(H/T: Health Line)

ALSO READ: How to stop your newborn's hiccups

Joan Kibugi