Dehydration is when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Babies can become dehydrated quickly, especially with diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or poor feeding.
What are the signs in babies?
Signs include fewer wet nappies, dark yellow urine, a dry mouth and lips, no tears when crying, a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the head, cold hands and feet, and being unusually sleepy or irritable.
What you can do
- Keep breastfeeding or offering formula, little and often.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about oral rehydration solution if your baby has diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Do not give fruit juice or fizzy drinks to rehydrate a baby.
When to talk to your doctor
Seek urgent medical help if your baby has very few wet nappies, a sunken fontanelle, is very sleepy or hard to wake, has cold or mottled hands and feet, or cannot keep any fluids down. Babies under 6 months need to be seen quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Under 6 months, keep offering breast milk or formula and ask your doctor before giving water.