Dehydration is a condition where there are not enough fluids in the body. Your baby's body is made up of approximately 75% water. Each day, your child loses fluids through urination, bowel movements, sweating, crying, and even breathing. You replace these fluids each time you feed your child.

Dehydration in newborns and young infants is usually the result of not taking in enough fluids to replace what is lost in the course of the day. Older infants and children are more likely to become dehydrated from an illness. Below are some causes and warning signs to look out for.

Signs of Dehydration in Babies

• Fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours
• Dark yellow urine
• Cracked lips
• Tearless crying (crying with few or no tears)
• Dry skin that doesn’t bounce back when gently pressed
• Sunken eyes
• Listlessness
• Sunken fontanelle (the "soft spot" on the top of the head)
• Extreme fussiness
• Unusual sleepiness
• Cold hands and feet

Causes of Dehydration

• Breastfeeding issues: Poor latch, infrequent or short feedings, or low milk supply.
• Bottle-feeding issues: Not feeding frequently or giving inadequate amounts of formula or breast milk.
• Refusing to eat: Illness, sore throat, ear infection, or nasal congestion can interfere with feeding.
• Fever: Increases fluid loss and reduces feeding desire.
• Diarrhea: Rapid fluid loss through the bowels.
• Vomiting: Inability to retain fluids can quickly lead to dehydration.
• Overexposure to heat: Excess sweating and fluid evaporation from the skin.

What to Do

• Offer a bottle or breastfeed frequently, even if only small amounts are taken at a time.
• Track your child’s feedings and number of wet diapers.
• If it’s hot, move the child to a cool place and remove excessive clothing or blankets.
• Give ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) and zinc tablets as needed.
• Go to the hospital immediately — loss of electrolytes can lead to death.

Preventing Dehydration

Simple home-made rehydration solutions can save lives. Below are two effective options:

Water, Sugar, and Salt Solution

• In 1 liter of clean water, mix:
• ½ level teaspoon of salt
• 8 level teaspoons of sugar

You may take half a cup of fruit juice, coconut water, or mashed ripe banana before drinking the salt-sugar solution — these provide potassium and help encourage drinking.

NOTE: Taste the solution before giving — it should not be too salty.

With Powdered Cereal and Salt

(Powdered rice is best. You may also use finely ground maize, wheat flour, sorghum, or cooked and mashed potatoes.)

• In 1 liter of water, mix:
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 8 heaping teaspoons (or 2 handfuls) of powdered cereal

Boil the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes to create a liquid gruel or watery porridge. Cool quickly and begin feeding the child.

Note: This is the recommended treatment for many African regions. Guidelines may vary in other countries.