Observe your children for dehydration this summer.
Summertime is here which means kids are out of school and temperatures are rising. Know the signs of dehydration in kids. Children have higher water requirements than adults. The surface area of a child is smaller and sweat glands aren’t fully developed, making it harder for the body to cool itself. Dehydration can set in very quickly.
According to ABOUTKIDSHEALTH
Your child may show one or more of the following symptoms of dehydration:
- dry, cracked lips and a dry mouth
- a decrease in urine output, no urine for 8 to 12 hours, or dark-coloured urine
- drowsiness or irritability
- cold or dry skin
- low energy levels, seeming very weak or limp
- no tears when crying
- sunken eyes or sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head
Recommended for rehydration
Commercially available oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Gastrolyte, Enfalyte or other brands contain a properly balanced amount of water, sugars, and salts to promote absorption of the fluid. It is best to use these products, rather than plain water or home-made solutions, especially for babies and young children. If your child refuses to take an oral rehydration solution, then try giving fluids that you know your child likes, such as milk or water mixed with juice. If your child has a fever, diarrhea or is vomiting, milk and juice are reasonable choices.
Give your child 5 to 10 mL (1 to 2 teaspoons) every 5 minutes. Slowly increase this amount to reach the amount your child will tolerate. If your baby is breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed. If your baby refuses to breastfeed, see a doctor immediately.
