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Symptom Guide

Dehydration in Babies and Children

This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. If your child is sick, call our office.

What causes dehydration in children

Dehydration happens when a child loses more fluid than they take in. The most common causes are vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Refusing to drink because of a sore throat, mouth sores, or general illness can make it worse. Babies and toddlers dehydrate faster than older children because of their smaller body size.

Call 911 or go to the ER

  • Your child is not waking up or is hard to arouse
  • Severe trouble breathing
  • No urine for more than 12 hours
  • Your child is too weak to stand or walk
  • Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on an infant’s head

Call the doctor right now

  • No urine for 8 or more hours in an infant, or 12 or more hours in an older child
  • No tears when crying
  • Dry mouth and lips with very little saliva
  • Sunken eyes
  • Your child is too tired or irritable to drink
  • Blood in the vomit or stool
  • Vomiting everything for more than 8 hours
  • Baby under 3 months with any vomiting or diarrhea
  • Your child looks or acts very sick

Call the doctor within 24 hours

  • Decreased urine output (fewer than 3 wet diapers in 24 hours for infants)
  • Your child is drinking less than half their normal amount
  • Mild diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than 2 days
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Fever lasting more than 3 days with decreased fluid intake

How to treat mild dehydration at home

  • Offer small, frequent sips rather than large amounts at once
  • For breastfed babies: nurse more often and for shorter sessions
  • For formula-fed babies: offer Pedialyte or a similar oral rehydration solution between feedings
  • For toddlers and older children: Pedialyte, diluted juice, ice pops, or clear broth
  • Avoid plain water for babies under 12 months — it doesn’t replace lost electrolytes
  • Avoid sugary drinks like soda and undiluted fruit juice — they can worsen diarrhea
  • If your child is vomiting, wait 30–60 minutes after the last episode, then start with 1 teaspoon every 5 minutes and slowly increase
  • A child who is urinating normally and has tears when crying is generally well hydrated

Signs your child is drinking enough

  • Infants: at least 4–6 wet diapers per day
  • Toddlers and older children: urinating every 6–8 hours
  • Urine is light yellow or clear (dark yellow means they need more fluids)
  • Tears present when crying
  • Mouth and lips look moist
  • Skin springs back quickly when gently pinched on the back of the hand

Preventing dehydration during illness

  • Start offering extra fluids at the first sign of vomiting, diarrhea, or fever
  • Keep an oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte) in the house during cold and flu season
  • Don’t wait until your child asks for a drink — offer fluids regularly
  • Popsicles, gelatin, and watermelon can count toward fluid intake if your child resists drinking

Sources

Worried your child isn’t drinking enough? Call us.

Call 908-755-5437