If your newborn baby has diarrhea or vomiting, it is important to prevent him from getting dehydrated. Dehydration can have serious consequences and lead to emergency room visits.
In general, babies become dehydrated very quickly due to lack of fluids. This is because their small bodies store very small amounts of fluid and their high metabolic rates cause them to lose water and electrolytes quickly. If the fluid loss is not replaced in time, their condition may become critical in no time.
What is dehydration?
When a child is said to be dehydrated, it indicates that the child’s body does not have enough fluids for normal functioning. As mentioned above, infants are more susceptible to dehydration than adults, and this occurs when fluid production exceeds fluid intake. Fluid loss is common in children through vomiting, diarrhea, fever or sweating. In mild cases, dehydration can be corrected quickly, but in some cases, it can be severe and life-threatening.
What causes dehydration in newborns?
Diarrhea is the most common cause of dehydration in infants and young children. During an episode of diarrhea, there is an increased loss of water and electrolytes in a short period of time. It is very difficult to replace this loss through breastfeeding. The risk of developing dehydration is higher when diarrhea persists for more than a few days.
If diarrhea is accompanied by other symptoms that cause fluid loss, dehydration is already determined. For example, if the child is vomiting, dehydration may soon occur and can be very severe. Other causes that cause fluid loss and dehydration in infants include fever, sore throat, increased sweating, and heat in hot weather.
What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration in newborns?
Being aware of the signs of dehydration in children can help parents recognize them and start treatment early. Learn to identify the early symptoms of dehydration in newborns:
1. Dry diaper even after 6 hours
2. lethargy
3. dry mucous membranes such as the mouth and lips
4. sunken fontanel is the soft spot on the top of the head
5. Urine is thicker and smells more frequent and stronger than normal
6. cry without tears
Signs of severe dehydration in newborns include the following:
1. sunken eyes
2. increased sleep
3. cry more
4. very low skin elasticity
5. Fever
6. hands and feet feel very cold to touch
7. breathing fast
8. Severe dehydration can even lead to loss of consciousness.
How to treat dehydration in babies?
If a child is showing signs of dehydration, it is best to inform the doctor or take him to the hospital immediately. He may require intravenous fluids until he is adequately resuscitated.
How can dehydration be prevented in children at home?
Continue breastfeeding as long as possible, and if the baby is 6 months or older, some water can be included in the diet until he or she is taking solid foods. If the baby is under 6 months of age, consult a pediatrician about giving less amount of water. Juice is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.