PREGNANCY & CHILDHOOD

How To Tell If Your Toddler Is Dehydrated

How To Tell if Your Toddler Is Dehydrated

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Learn the signs of dehydration in children and essential tips to help avoid it.

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A young child smiles while eating watermelon outside

Duration
JULY 19, 2024   3 MINUTE READ
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Key Takeaways

• Toddlers can get dehydrated during various illnesses or really hot weather.

• Water, ice cubes, hydrating foods and frozen electrolyte fruit-flavored pops can all help your child stay hydrated.

• Watch for signs of dehydration, like fatigue, crankiness, and less urination.

There are many things to think about when you’re a parent or caregiver of a young child. Making sure your child is getting enough fluids is one of them. Because children can't or don't always let a parent or caregiver know when they're thirsty, they can easily become dehydrated, especially when they're sick or outside in hot weather.

According to the National Academy of Medicine, children between one and three years old require about five cups of total fluids (water plus other drinks) per day, while children aged four to eight need about seven cups daily. In addition to keeping an eye on how much your little one is consuming, there are a variety of ways to spot if your toddler is dehydrated. Read on to find out what you need to know.

What Causes Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when your body doesn't have enough fluids to perform its normal functions. Many things can lead to dehydration, such as not drinking enough fluids, or losing a lot of fluid and electrolytes through sweating. Symptoms of some illnesses, like vomiting or diarrhea, can also lead to dehydration.

Toddlers are particularly vulnerable to dehydration for several reasons. Their metabolic rates are very high, so their bodies burn energy quickly and require a lot of water to keep up. They may not recognize that they're thirsty, especially if they're vomiting or have a sore throat. In addition, they often can't easily help themselves to a drink.

Although dehydration can happen at any time of the year, it's important to be especially aware of the risk during the summer months. Summer tends to be full of outdoor activities out in the hot sun such as running around the park or splashing at the pool or beach, all of which can make kids sweat and lose fluid and electrolytes quickly. With all the excitement, it's easy for them — and their caregivers — to forget to stop for plenty of water breaks.

Tips for Staying Ahead of Hydration

The best way to manage dehydration is to avoid it in the first place. Although it can be a challenge with on-the-go toddlers, there are many things you can do to help keep your little one hydrated:

  • Set water-break reminders on your phone or watch for your child (and yourself!).
  • Provide your child with a reusable water bottle in their favorite color or theme and encourage them to add drawings or fun stickers to it. The more they like their water bottle, the more likely they may be to use it often.
  • Take regular breaks in hot weather to sit in the shade and cool off with some water, Pedialyte® Freezer Pops and a mister or portable fan.
  • If you have a child who isn’t a fan of plain water, dress it up! Help them explore flavored options by adding a splash of lemon, lime or orange to a cup of water. You can also try adding fresh fruit like berries or watermelon to make staying hydrated more fun.
  • Sticker charts aren’t only for chores. Work with your child to keep track of how much your child drinks using a chart where each cup of water earns them a sticker.
  • Send a water bottle with your child in the morning and then check it when they get home from daycare or preschool to gauge how much they drank that day. Ask your child if they refilled it during the day. You could also connect with teachers or providers at drop off or pick up about how much your child is drinking.
  • Offer fruits and vegetables that are packed with water, like watermelon, pineapple, broccoli and cucumbers, during meals or snacks. Think of it as a way to up your kid's fluid and nutrient intake.
  • If the weather is warm, plan to spend time outside during the coolest parts of the day, typically before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
  • Teach your kid that staying hydrated means their urine should be a pale yellow color — many kids have fun reporting back on what they see.

Spot the Signs of Dehydration

Catching dehydration quickly is important so you have the opportunity to address the issue promptly, before it gets worse. Remember, little ones may not always share how they're feeling, so keep an eye out for any of the following signs:

  • No wet diapers for three or more hours and/or less urine output that usual
  • Listlessness or lack of energy
  • Unusually sleepy or drowsy
  • Irritability
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry tongue
  • Slightly sunken eyes
  • Crying without tears

Severe dehydration is serious and requires medical attention right away. If any of these signs of severe dehydration are present, consult your pediatrician or other healthcare provider immediately:

  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Lack of urination or dark-colored urine
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fast breathing

What to Do if You Think Your Child is Dehydrated

Mild dehydration can often be managed at home. You can help your child feel better by ensuring they get plenty of water and clear liquids. Avoid giving your child sugary soda or juice, especially if they have diarrhea, as this could worsen the condition and further dehydrate them. The good news is there are many other options. Ice cubes and frozen fruit-flavored pops count! For example, Pedialyte® Freezer Pops replenish fluid and electrolytes and come in kid-friendly flavors like grape and blue raspberry. They’re a good option that can help rehydrate during recovery, especially if your kid has a stomach bug or played extra-long outside on a hot day this summer.

If your child is showing any signs of severe dehydration, however, call your pediatrician or a healthcare provider right away. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention.

Staying Hydrated When Sick: 5 Ways to Help Your Child Get Enough Fluids

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A child lies in bed drinking out of a red cup.

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When your child is sick, it's natural to worry about them — especially if they're not drinking as much as you know they should be. But it can be difficult to know whether your child is taking in enough fluids to replenish losses, and it can be just as hard to get a sick kid to drink anything.

This article will review the signs of mild to moderate dehydration in children and explore how to keep kids hydrated when they aren't feeling well.

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A person holds the back of their hand to a sleeping child's forehead.

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A variety of factors affect how your body responds to the influenza virus. But did you know you might be more or less susceptible to the miseries of the flu depending on your age and stage of life? This article will break down how children, younger adults and older adults may respond to the flu differently and what you can do to minimize your risk of serious complications from this virus.

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