From no tears to being fussy…the signs your baby is dangerously dehydrated in the heatwave
WE all know how important it is to stay hydrate in the heatwave...and it's no different for your baby.
Temperatures are set to continue to soar to above 30C across the country for the rest of the week as the long, hot summer continues.
A record-breaking 33.3C was recorded yesterday in Santon Downham, Suffolk, after Brits were warned to stay out of the blazing sun as a blast of hot air dubbed the "Mediterranean melt" moved in.
The Met Office yesterday issued an amber weather alert that will stay in place until 9am on Friday, urging the public to take precautions like drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen and keeping your house cool.
Dehydration is a dangerous condition that can cause headaches, muscle cramps, and a dry mouth.
It occurs when the body is losing more fluids than it can replace, like sweating excessively.
If left untreated someone with dehydration can develop more serious heat exhaustion and heat stroke so it’s important to make sure you rehydrate as soon as possible.
The same risks apply to your baby.
It's vital they are drinking enough fluids and water during a heatwave, especially as their tiny bodies may not cope with the heat as well.
If left untreated, dehydration in babies and toddlers can prove fatal.
These are the key signs of dehydration in your baby you NEED to watch out for...
Your baby or toddler isn't going to be able to tell you they are feeling weak and unwell.
They may cry because they are thirsty, but it's often difficult to decipher what they are crying about.
If your baby has any of the following symptoms they may be dehydrated.
- weeing less frequently
- dry nappies
- no tears when they cry
- crying more often
- being fussy with food
- cracked lips
- a dry mouth
- fatigue and decreased energy levels
- sleepiness
- sunken eyes
- mucous on the tongue
- fast breathing
- a rapid heart rate
What should you do if your baby is dehydrated?
First off, if you are worried about your baby's health you should always seek a medical opinion.
Make sure your baby is drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of foods with water in them, like fruit and vegetables.
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If your baby is still breastfeeding or bottle feeding you may find they are hungrier than normal, so make sure they are getting plenty of breast milk or formula along with water.
This will give their body all the nutrients they need to function in the hot weather.
You can also speak to a pharmacist about rehydration liquids designed to replace lost electrolytes and fluids.
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In severe cases a baby may need to be put on an IV of fluids to replace what they have lost.
You should avoid giving your baby or toddler sugary drinks as they won't keep them hydrated.
Salty food should also be avoided as it can lead to dehydration in the body.
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