728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Toddler Health › No More Tears?

No More Tears?

Recognizing the Signs of Dehydration

By Dr. Aneema Van Groenou

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Josephine and Simon have enjoyed a summer day at the beach and helped their toddler, Michaela, built her first sandcastle. On the way home, she is cranky. Josephine checks her diaper, but it's dry again. Michi complains and cries, but Simon notices that she isn't producing any tears. They begin to wonder: Could their little one be dehydrated?

What is Dehydration?
The body needs a good amount of fluids and salts (also called electrolytes) to function properly. Diarrhea, sweating, fever, heat, vomiting, exertion, insufficient fluid intake, drinking diuretics (fluids that cause excess urination, like caffeinated sodas) and even breathing with an open mouth can lead to loss of fluids. If these fluids are not regularly replenished, you begin to see signs of dehydration.

Young children often become dehydrated because they aren't as conscious of being thirsty or don't know how to ask for fluids. Commonly, they just start feeling lousy. By the time a toddler feels thirsty, he is probably already quite dehydrated.

For infants, dehydration can develop quickly and even become life threatening if not treated properly. As a parent, it is important to learn to recognize the characteristics of dehydration.

What Are Signs of Dehydration?
Signs of mild dehydration in an infant include a dry mouth, few or no tears when crying, crankiness or irritability and no wet diapers for three hours or more.

Your child may be seriously dehydrated if you notice any of the following signs: his eyes and cheeks seem sunken, he is unusually inactive or sleepy, his mouth and tongue are very dry or his skin feels dry and wrinkled. If you gently pinch the skin on the back of a dehydrated child's hand, it flattens slowly when released.

Josephine climbs into the back seat next to Michaela on the drive home. The afternoon sun shines onto Michi's pale face, and she fusses irritably in her baby seat as she closes her sleepy eyes. Josephine holds her daughter's cool hand and watches her with concern as she breathes in rapid, deep sighs. "Simon," Josephine calls out. "Michi just doesn't look right."


Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.