How can I recognise dehydration in my child and know when to seek help?
Signs include fewer wet nappies or less urine, a dry mouth, fewer tears, sunken eyes and altered activity or responsiveness. Babies can deteriorate quickly. Marked lethargy, difficulty waking or rapid breathing with pale, cold skin may indicate a serious emergency.
Details
Compare with the child’s usual pattern
Record vomiting, diarrhoea, fluid intake and the last urine output. Do not rely on one sign or wait for thirst. Markedly reduced urine, stopping feeds or inability to retain fluids warrants urgent review, especially in younger children.
Rehydration when the child is alert
Offer an appropriate oral rehydration solution in frequent small amounts and continue breastfeeding. Mix it with exactly the stated water volume without adding salt or sugar. Do not dilute formula; juice and fizzy drinks are not substitutes for a suitable solution.
When home attempts are not enough
If the child is hard to wake or unresponsive, call emergency services and do not force drinks. Persistent dehydration despite rehydration solution or repeated vomiting requires assessment; clinicians may need to give fluids by another route.
Related reading: How can I safely care for a child with diarrhoea at home?.