Dehydration in toddlers is when they lose more water than they take in. it means they do not have enough water and essential minerals in their bodies.
Dehydration can be mild, moderate, severe, or life-threatening. It is thereby important to recognize the signs of dehydration so it does not worsen to severe dehydration.
Risk Factors
Dehydration can be caused by loss of bodily fluid through:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Sweating too much (in hot weather)
- Chronic illnesses, e.g diabetes
Signs of Dehydration
- Darker/more smelly pee or urine
- More than six hours interval without the urge to urinate
- Thirst
- Fatigue
- Dry parched lips
- No or fewer tear drops while crying
- Decreased bowel movement (except in case of diarrhea)
- Headache
- Sunken eye
- Wrinkled skin
- Rapid heartbeat
How to Prevent Dehydration
- Offer water frequently without added sugar to your toddler
- Offer milk to your toddler too