As summer approaches, we need to know how to keep kids hydrated in the heat. During the summer, much dehydration can happen, especially with kids. We are providing you with information to make sure your kids stay hydrated.
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What is dehydration?
Dehydration is when the body has lost too much fluid. It happens when the body is not taking in that many fluids and you aren’t taking any in, which causes the body not to work correctly when dehydrated. It can happen much faster in kids because their bodies are much smaller, and they can get dehydrated quickly if they aren’t drinking anything.
What causes child dehydration?
In children, dehydration can be caused by vomiting and diarrhea, as this article says by Kids Health. It can also happen when kids aren’t drinking water to keep them hydrated. When they’re sick, it can happen faster because they aren’t feeling good and tend to vomit or have diarrhea, which means fluids aren’t staying in their body even if they are drinking fluids.
What are the signs of dehydration in infants?
There are different things to look for in infants that may signal they are dehydrated.
- a sunken soft spot on the top of their head
- no tears when they are crying
- not having wet diapers
- sunken eyes
- drowsy and irritable
Give infants small sips of oral rehydration solution if you see these signs in infants.
Signs of dehydration in a child?
Here are some signs that your child may be dehydrated.
- less active than usual
- pale and have sunken eyes
- extremely thirsty
- breathing faster and has a fast heart rate
- irritable and drowsy
- tiredness
If you see any of these signs, you should start giving them water slow slips to get hydrated again. Gatorade works well, too, if your kids need more flavor in their drink.
What are the symptoms of dehydration in a toddler?
Dehydration in a toddler is the same as in an infant. You will need to look for the signs because they won’t be able to tell you they don’t feel good. It is best to know what you are looking for and to have something on hand, like apple juice or water, to give them when they are outside or in the heat for long periods of time.
What do you give your children when dehydrated?
Depending on your children’s ages, they should drink certain things to stay hydrated.
- Six months to 1 year old – They should be given undiluted breast milk or formula, whichever you may help your child from getting dehydrated.
- Older than 1 year – Diluted apple juice or juice generally will help keep them hydrated. Sports drinks work just as well. You can dilute Gatorade or Powerade. It will get them rehydrated if they have signs of being dehydrated.
These are the best way to make sure you keep your children hydrated, especially by age water only works for children under one year old. Children should start drinking water after one-year-old.
How much should my child drink daily?
Data from Health Direct informs us about how much your child should drink, depending on their age. This can give you clear metrics for how to keep kids hydrated this summer.
- Children 1- 3 years old – have 4 cups of water or juice daily (mixing between the two is best).
- Children 4 -8 years old– have 5 cups of water daily.
- Children 9 – 13 years old – have 5 to 6 cups of water daily.
- Children 14 and older – have 6 to 8 cups of water or sports drink daily.
How to prevent dehydration?
To prevent dehydration and keep kids hydrated, you will want to drink the minimum number of fluids and eat foods high in water. If you are getting thirty, it is best to feed to that, letting your body tell you when you need water.
If my child is dehydrated, when should I call the doctor?
You should call for a doctor when your child has not drunk anything in a few hours. If they are vomiting more times in 24 hours and have a terrible case of diarrhea. If your child is going through this, we suggest calling the doctor to see if they want to see you and your child in person, depending on the signs.
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How to treat dehydration in kids?
If your child suffers from mild dehydration, giving them more fluid will help get them hydrated and where they need to be. You can try oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or these SOS hydration electrolytes on Amazon to help keep your kids hydrated. These will help if your kids don’t like water and prefer something flavored.
