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Home › Articles › Toddler Health › No More Tears?

No More Tears?

Recognizing the Signs of Dehydration

By Dr. Aneema Van Groenou

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As dehydration progresses in an infant, the pulse rate becomes fast and weak, the hands and feet feel cool and look blotchy, breathing seems rapid and deep and the child may become disoriented and even develop muscle cramps and uncontrollable muscle contractions. The soft spot, or fontanelle, on the infant's head may also feel sunken.

When Should You Get Help?
As soon as your child shows any signs of dehydration, consult your pediatrician. Your pediatrician will be able to determine if your child needs immediate medical attention or can be treated at home with close supervision.

If your child seems lethargic, disoriented, has a high fever, is vomiting and unable to keep down fluids, has bloody or black stools, has severe belly pain or hasn't improved significantly over 24 hours, get medical attention immediately.

If your child is significantly dehydrated, he may need intravenous hydration (fluids delivered straight into the blood stream). These can typically be given in a clinic, urgent care center or emergency department. Usually, hospitalization overnight is not necessary.

After talking with the pediatrician, Josephine and Simon take sleepy Michaela straight to the clinic, where the doctor examines her and immediately starts intravenous fluids through a tiny needle in her foot. Within an hour, Michaela is awake, rosy cheeked and grinning at the nurses. Before they leave, the doctor advises Josephine and Simon on how to continue hydrating Michaela at home.

Taking Care of Dehydration at Home

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