Dehydration in babies is a serious matter that can escalate quickly if not properly addressed. Understanding its causes, spotting the signs, knowing how to treat it, and taking steps to prevent it are important for parents (and any caregiver of little ones). In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dehydration in newborns and infants to keep your little one safe and hydrated.
Babies are made up of 70-83% total body water.1 A baby’s body needs water and other fluids to function properly. Until 6 months of age, babies get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula.2 Between 6 and 12 months of age, you can start offering small amounts of water.3 However, breast milk and formula remain the primary source of hydration.6
Babies lose water when they pee, poop, and sweat. Dehydration happens when your baby loses more fluids than they take in, making it hard for your baby’s body to work properly.4 This can lead to complications such as constipation, heat exhaustion, urinary tract infections, and more.4,13
Several factors can cause dehydration in newborns and infants, including:4
- Illness: Vomiting and diarrhea from an illness or infection can cause baby to quickly lose more fluid than they’re able to take in.
- Fever: When baby has a fever, they lose more fluids through sweat.
- Not drinking enough: Sometimes your baby may not drink enough fluids because of difficulty breastfeeding, bottle-feeding issues, or simply not being offered enough to drink.
- Overheating: Hot weather or too much clothing can lead to overheating, causing baby to sweat more and lose fluids.
- Frequent urination: Some medical conditions or medications can make babies pee more often, leading to fluid loss.
As a parent or caregiver, recognizing the signs of dehydration early is important so you can act quickly. Be mindful of the following signs and symptoms, and contact your child’s healthcare provider if symptoms begin to develop. Here are some key signs of dehydration to watch for in newborns and infants:5
- Dry mouth and tongue: If your baby has a dry mouth and tongue without much saliva, this is a sign of severe dehydration.
- Few or no tears when crying: If your baby cries without tears, it may mean they’re dehydrated. (Note: Newborns don’t produce tears until after a month or two unless they have a clogged tear duct or other medical condition.14)
- Sunken soft spot (fontanelle): The soft spot on the top of baby’s head might look sunken in instead of flat.
- Fewer wet diapers: Having fewer wet diapers (less than six in 24 hours) can be a sign of dehydration.
- Dark yellow urine: If your baby’s urine is darker than usual and has a strong smell, they might be dehydrated.
- Irritability and lethargy: Is baby more fussy, sleepy, or tired than usual? This may be a sign of dehydration if combined with one of the other factors that causes dehydration.
- Cold and mottled hands and feet: Dehydration can make baby’s hands and feet look cold, blotchy, and wrinkled.
If you suspect your baby is dehydrated, it’s important to act quickly. Treatment will depend on the cause, severity, and age of your baby. Here are the steps to take:
If your newborn or infant shows any of the above signs of dehydration, it’s important to notify your child’s doctor right away.
Continue to offer breast milk or formula frequently. For breastfed babies, more frequent nursing can help restore hydration.8 For bottle-fed babies, offer smaller, more frequent feeds. If your baby is unable to breast- or bottle-feed, try using a sterile dropper or small baby spoon to slowly feed your baby breast milk or formula.10
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte for babies can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.8,11 You can find them over the counter at many retail stores. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider before giving an infant anything other than breast milk or formula.
If your baby is 6 months or older and fussy about drinking milk or formula, you can try offering hydrating foods such as watermelon or cucumbers if they’re accustomed to foods like this.10 Also, if teething is causing an issue with latching, try offering frozen pureed fruit pops for baby to suck on.
Watch your baby’s fluid intake and output closely. It can be helpful to write down the timing of feedings, amount per feed, and number of wet diapers to stay on track. Make sure they’re urinating regularly and that their urine is light in color.8,9
While you can often manage mild dehydration in a baby at home, certain signs may indicate immediate medical attention, such as:5
- Severe diarrhea or vomiting: If your baby is experiencing persistent vomiting or diarrhea, seek medical help.
- Refusal to drink: If your baby won’t drink any fluids and shows signs of dehydration, see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Extreme lethargy: If your baby is very sleepy or unresponsive, this is an emergency. Seek medical help right away.
- High fever: A fever of 105 degrees F or higher warrants a trip to the doctor. In a baby less than 2 months old, any fever (100.4 degrees F or higher) requires immediate medical attention.15
- No urine output: If your baby hasn’t urinated in over eight hours, seek medical help right away.
- Rapid breathing or heartbeat: These could be signs of severe dehydration or another problem, so seek medical attention immediately.
Preventing dehydration is far easier than treating it. Here are some tips to help keep your baby well-hydrated:
- Ensure regular feeding: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, ensure your baby feeds regularly to avoid dehydration. Watch for signs of hunger (such as putting hands in their mouth, turning toward the breast or a bottle, smacking lips, or clenching hands), and feed them accordingly.7
- Monitor their fluid intake: Keep track of how much your baby drinks. Offer more fluids during hot weather or illness.
- Put them in appropriate clothing: Dress your baby in clothes suitable for the weather. In hot weather, dress your baby in lightweight, breathable fabrics.
- Avoid overheating: Keep your baby cool, especially in hot weather. Use fans or air conditioning if needed.
- Recognize early signs: Watch for early signs of dehydration and act quickly to prevent it from worsening.
Dehydration in newborns and infants can be serious and needs quick attention and careful handling. Knowing what causes it, spotting the signs, and learning how to prevent and treat it can help keep your baby healthy and feeling well. If you’re worried about your baby’s hydration, it’s always best to talk to a healthcare professional. Acting fast is crucial to keeping baby healthy and hydrated. Stay informed and take steps to prevent and manage dehydration in babies effectively!