Signs of Dehydration in Newborn and Younger Babies
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DOMedically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DODehydration happens when babies lose more fluids than they drink. Babies are more prone to dehydration because they need more fluids and lose them faster than adults. Illnesses such as stomach bugs that cause fever, diarrhea, or vomiting increase the risk. Until age 6 months, babies get their fluids from breast milk or formula. After 6 months, they can have small amounts of water, but breast milk or formula should be their primary fluids until they reach 12 months. A healthcare provider may suggest an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte if your baby is sick. Early signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, darker urine (pee), and fewer wet diapers.
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Dehydration and Breastfeeding Dehydration in breastfed babies can result from:Infrequent feedings (less than eight to 12 times a day)Latching problemsLip tieLow milk supplyTongue tie
Physical Signs a Baby Is DehydratedOral Symptoms Oral symptoms of dehydration in babies include:Dry mouth and lipsLess salivaPale, dry, or cracked tongueMood and Behavior Changes Dehydration can result in mood and behavior changes like:Decreased appetiteDifficulty wakingExcessive cryingLess interest in playLethargy or weakness
Does Dehydration Cause Sleepiness in Babies?If your baby is sleeping more than usual, it could be due to a growth spurt or a busy day. Normally, they’ll wake up alert and ready to eat or play. But if they’re unusually hard to wake or seem very weak, they could have dehydration or an illness that needs immediate medical attention.
Skin Dehydration can make a baby’s skin:BlotchyCool or clammy DiscoloredDryLess elastic Urine (Pee) SignsUrinary signs of dehydration include:Darker urineFewer wet diapers Stronger smellStool (Poop) SignsAfter the first week, breastfed babies usually have mustard yellow, greenish, or light brown loose and seedy stools. Formula-fed babies typically have firmer yellow-to-brown stools. If a baby doesn’t have enough fluid, their body reabsorbs water from the digestive tract, leading to:Darker stoolsDrier or harder stoolsLess frequent stools
Expected Diaper Changes for BabiesIn the first few days of life, expect one or two wet diapers and one to three dirty diapers daily. From day four onward, expect six to eight wet diapers and three to six dirty diapers daily.
Eye SymptomsFluid loss in and around a baby’s eyes can cause:Dry eyesFewer tears Sunken eyes Dark circlesSunken FontanelThe anterior fontanel is the soft spot on the top of the baby’s head. It should feel soft and level with the skull. A sunken fontanel could be a sign of dehydration. Other SymptomsAdditional signs of dehydration include:Fast breathing Fast heart rateUnconsciousness Weight loss
Related: Dehydration With Symptoms: How to Rehydrate
Which Dehydration Signs Are Minor vs. Severe?Minor SignsMinor signs of dehydration that you may be able to treat at home include:Darker urineFewer wet diapersMild thirstSlightly dry mouthWeight loss (3% to 5 %)If your baby has mild dehydration, let your child's healthcare provider know.Moderate SignsSigns of moderate dehydration include:Dark yellow or strong-smelling urineDry mouth and skinFaster heart rate and breathingFewer tearsFussinessLess interactiveLess than six wet diapers per dayPoor skin turgor (skin takes two to four seconds to bounce back) ThirstWeight loss (6% to 9% of body weight)For moderate or worsening symptoms, go to urgent care if your provider isn't available.
Poor Skin TurgorPoor skin turgor means your baby’s skin is less elastic. To check, gently pinch the skin on the back of your baby’s hand or belly. If the skin stays pinched and doesn’t bounce back quickly, it may indicate dehydration.
Severe SignsSevere symptoms of dehydration include:Cool, bluish-gray, or blotchy skinMinimal or no urine outputNo tears Poor skin turgor (tents, meaning staying in a tent shape, for four or more seconds) Rapid or deep breathingSunken eyes Sunken fontanel UnresponsivenessVery dry mouthWeak or fast pulseWeight loss of 10% or moreSeek emergency medical help immediately for severe symptoms.How to Rehydrate a Baby At HomeFor mild dehydration, offer more breast milk or formula. Your provider may suggest small amounts of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte to replace lost fluids and nutrients if your baby is sick. Follow these guidelines:If your baby is vomiting, give small sips about one-third tablespoon, or about 5 millimeters (mL), every five to 10 minutes. If vomiting continues, pause for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again. For diarrhea, offer 1 tablespoon (15 mL) less frequently.Increase the amount gradually as tolerated. Continue offering fluids regularly until your baby feels better. ORS should complement, not replace, breast milk or formula. Avoid water for babies under six months. Water can be given in small amounts for babies over 6 months, but breast milk or formula should remain their primary fluid.
Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough MilkRegardless of whether your newborn is breastfed or bottle-fed, signs they are getting enough milk include:Appears satisfied after feedingFeeding at least eight times a daySteady weight gain (after day five)Swallowing that you can see or hear Signs your baby might not be getting enough milk include:Weight loss (especially after day five)Difficulty latching or clicking soundsFewer than three poops or six wet diapers a day (by 5 days old)Fewer than eight feedings a dayFussy after feedingNo visible or audible swallowingYellowish skin
At a Medical Facility Healthcare providers will assess the severity of your baby’s dehydration through vital signs, weight, exams, and diagnostic tests. If your baby can keep fluids down, they might start with ORS or ReSoMal (rehydration solution for malnourished), which has different mineral levels than regular ORS.If your baby has moderate or severe dehydration or can’t keep fluids down, the healthcare team may give intravenous (IV) fluids to restore hydration quickly. Sometimes, they use a nasogastric (NG) tube to deliver fluids from the nose to the stomach.Monitoring a Baby During the Rehydration StagesWatch your baby’s behavior and feeding patterns to track their improvement during rehydration. Look for these signs of progress:Able to hold down fluidsIncreased alertnessLess fussinessMore interested in feedingMore wet and dirty diapersNo feverNormal skin turgor and colorSigns the baby may be worsening include:Darker or less frequent urine or stoolsIncreased fussinessRefusal to feedSunken eyes or fontanelUnusual tiredness Summary Dehydration happens when a baby loses more fluids than they drink. This can occur quickly because babies need a lot of fluids and lose them fast. Common causes are illness, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Signs include fewer wet diapers, dark urine, dry mouth, and tiredness. To manage mild dehydration, give breast milk or formula more often and ask your provider about small sips of Pedialyte. If symptoms include severe signs like no wet diapers, unresponsiveness, or a sunken fontanel, seek emergency medical care. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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