Dehydration In Toddlers: Signs, Causes And Care

Summers are fun, but the problems that come along with the humid season are not. The fact that summers dehydrate the body, especially toddlers, is very concerning.

Dehydration escalates in kids super quickly, and their sensitive bodies cannot handle the loss of water, which makes them sick. If you are struggling to keep your toddler hydrated, I suggest you go through this guide, which is easy to follow and very effective.

Signs of Dehydration in Toddlers

If you want to identify if your child is dehydrated, you can look at the signs below:

  • Dry mouth

  • Rough skin

  • Constant fatigue

  • Decreased urination/dark yellow urine

  • Fewer tears while crying

  • Sunken eyes

  • No skin bounce when pinched

  • Cold hands and feet

What Causes Dehydration in Toddlers?

  • Less water consumption

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Extreme hot weather

  • Side effects of medications

  • Excessive sweating while playing

Remedies for a Dehydrated Toddler

  • Small yet frequent sips of water: Instead of making them chug the whole bottle, have them drink a little sip every 30 minutes. This way, they won’t feel heavy yet will stay hydrated throughout the day.

  • Avoid sugar: Your kids may find sugary drinks and packaged juices refreshing, but these cause a lot of dehydration in the body. The kidneys have to work extra to break down the sugar, and for that, they pull water from your body's tissues, which can lead to dehydration.

  • Healthy iced treats: I suggest making the rehydration process fun and tasty. For this, you can make some healthy iced treats like fruit popsicles, and I can bet that your kids will really relish the flavors.

  • Seasonal fruits and vegetables: It’s not only liquid that helps in rehydrating the body. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals and have great water content. Moreover, items like cucumber, tomato, and lemon are great options to fuel the body with instant energy and rehydrate it.

  • Keep toddlers cool and dry: Another thing you must do is to keep toddlers cool and dry. High heat results in excessive sweating, and the body dehydrates quickly. So make sure you keep the little ones in a cool room. Moreover, you should also have them wear only organic cotton clothes, as they are light, comfortable, and breathable.

  • ORS, if extreme dehydration: If you feel that your baby is extremely dehydrated, you can provide a few sips of ORS. Moreover, consult a doctor if you still think that the baby is dehydrated.

Keep Your Kids Hydrated and Happy in Summers

Hey! I know that summers can be a little difficult if you have a toddler. However, if you are cautious and focus on small and basic things, then taking care of the kids can be quite easy.

See, you don’t have to run behind them to keep them hydrated. Simply find easy solutions like iced treats or refreshing drinks like lemonade and watch them with every sip.