Top Tips to Prevent Dehydration in Babies
Water is one of the most dominant and common molecules in the human body, which is necessary for the normal functioning of particular cells and the human system in general. Babies have approximately 75% of the water from their total baby weight. Toddlers, beginning from year one, have 65%. Water performs many functions in the baby’s system, so its loss can lead to dehydration.
What is dehydration and its signs?
Dehydration is a state of the human organism when a person loses a certain amount of water, and the system cannot function normally. Dehydration can occur because of diarrhea, fever, or drinking insufficient amounts of water. The signs of dehydration can be sunken eyes, dark yellow pee, cold hands, and feet, less than 6 wet diapers during 24 hours, crying with little or no tears, dry skin, cracked lips, and extreme fussiness.
Can infants before the age of 6 months drink water?
It is well-known that during the first 6 months of life, babies eat and drink only breast milk or formula if breastfeeding is unavailable. It is recommended to breastfeed the baby during the first 6 months of life, as breast milk consists of water and all the necessary nutrients, which help to avoid dehydration. But, in the case when breastfeeding is unavailable, because of some reasons, parents should choose best organic formula which will keep the baby fed as well as hydrated.
Why children under 6 months cannot drink water?
Like it was mentioned before, babies under 6 months do not need to drink water, as they get the necessary amount of it with breast milk or formula. That is why drinking water besides breast milk or formula can cause serious disbalances in the baby’s system. Among the dangers of drinking water for babies before 6 months can be water intoxication, malnutrition, early weaning, or infection.
Top tips to prevent dehydration in babies
- Breastfeeding is the best way to keep your baby hydrated, as breast milk consists of the needed amount of water.
- If breastfeeding is impossible because of some reasons, choose the best organic formula, which provides the baby with all the needed nutrients and keeps the body hydrated.
- Avoid hyperthermia. Try to keep a comfortable temperature inside the home where the baby stays, especially during hot days. Try to avoid overheating and protect the baby from direct sunlight.
- Additional fluids. The fear of dehydration during the hot weather increases. The best way to prevent dehydration during hot summer days is to offer the baby breast milk or formula on demand.
- How to understand if the baby is sufficiently hydrated? Check down the diaper regularly. If the baby is properly hydrated, the sign can be from 6 to 8 wet diapers during 24 hours.
- Protect the baby against infections. Infections, such as diarrhea, can cause fast loss of water. So, follow the hygiene rules and avoid contact with sick people.
Conclusion
Dehydration can be a major problem because it may be dangerous for the baby’s health. It is always better to prevent it than treat it. Nevertheless, if you notice the symptoms of dehydration, it is always better to contact your pediatrician.
