Key points about dehydration in babies and children
- dehydration happens when tamariki (children) lose more fluid than they take in
- vomiting and loose, runny poo (diarrhoea) are the most common causes
- pēpi (babies) and young tamariki can become dehydrated quickly
- early signs include weeing less, dry lips and feeling tired
- you can often treat mild dehydration at home with small, frequent drinks
- if you're worried about your child at any stage, always get help
What is dehydration?
Dehydration means the body does not have enough water. It can happen when your child loses fluid faster than they replace it.
Your child loses fluid all the time through wee, poo, sweat and breathing. They replace this by drinking fluids and, in pēpi, through breastmilk or formula.
If your child loses too much fluid and does not drink enough to replace it, dehydration can happen. Pēpi and young tamariki are at higher risk because their bodies are smaller and they can lose fluid quickly.
Causes of dehydration in babies and children
Common causes of dehydration in pēpi and tamariki include:
- loose runny poo (diarrhoea)
- vomiting
- fever
- not drinking enough
- hot weather
- lots of activity without enough fluids
Pēpi can also easily become dehydrated if they have feeding difficulties.
Gastroenteritis is the most common reason tamariki become dehydrated.
Symptoms of dehydration in babies and children
Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe. Early signs can be easy to miss.
Symptoms in children
Tamariki with dehydration may:
- wee less than usual
- have dark yellow wee
- feel thirsty
- have a dry mouth or dry lips
- feel tired
- be less active than usual
- have a headache
More serious signs of dehydration include:
- very little or no wee
- cool hands and feet
- fast breathing
- sunken eyes
- feeling very sleepy or hard to wake
Symptoms in babies
Pēpi with dehydration may:
- have fewer wet nappies
- have dry lips and tongue
- have no tears when crying
- be more sleepy
- not feed as well
- lose weight
It can be hard to know whether younger tamariki are weeing less often. The best way to tell is by checking their nappies. They might have lighter or fewer wet nappies than usual.
If your baby is under 6 months old, dehydration can become serious quickly.
When to get medical help
When to see a health professional
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or see a health professional if you’re worried or your child:
- shows signs of dehydration
- is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
- has runny poo (diarrhoea) lasting more than a few days
- has an ongoing fever
- is not improving with fluids at home
When to see a health professional urgently
See a health professional urgently if your child:
- is under 6 months old and unwell
- has very little or no wee
- seems very drowsy or hard to wake
- has cold or mottled hands and feet
- has fast breathing
- has severe tummy pain
- has blood in their vomit or poo
When to call 111
Call 111 and ask for urgent medical help if your child:
- is floppy
- is blue around the mouth
- is struggling to breathe
- is unresponsive
You know your child best. If you're worried at any stage, always get help.
Diagnosing dehydration in babies and children
The health professional will ask about your child’s symptoms. They will ask you about how much fluid your child is drinking and how much they are weeing.
They will check your child for signs of dehydration.
Most tamariki do not need blood tests.
Treating dehydration in babies and children
Fluids
The main treatment for dehydration is giving fluids. For mild dehydration, you can usually look after your child at home. Give small amounts of fluid often. Small, frequent sips work better than large drinks.
If you are giving juice or fizzy drink, mix with an equal amount of water.
Illustration showing how to make a diluted drink.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
This illustration shows 3 glasses.
A glass with some water in it.
Label: 1 part water.
An addition sign (+).
A second glass with some juice or fizzy drink in it.
Label: 1 part juice or fizzy drink.
An equals sign (=).
A third glass containing a mix of the contents of the other 2 glasses.
Label: Diluted juice or fizzy drink.
This shows that mixing equal parts of water and juice or fizzy drink makes a diluted drink.
Oral rehydration solution
Your health professional may recommend a rehydration solution if your child is dehydrated. Hydralyte is one example of a rehydration solution. You can get these from the supermarket and pharmacy - follow the instructions on the bottle or packet. These solutions contain the right balance of water, salts and sugar to help your child absorb fluids well.
An illustration showing a bottle of rehydration fluid, a glass with a straw, and an oral syringe.
Source: KidsHealth
Breastmilk and formula
If you breastfeed your baby, continue breastfeeding. Offer feeds more often. Breastmilk helps replace lost fluids and provides nutrition.
If your baby has formula, continue formula feeds unless a health professional tells you otherwise.
Hospital stay
If your child has moderate or severe dehydration, they may need treatment in hospital. This may include fluids through a tube through the nose into the stomach or fluids through a drip into a vein.
Preventing dehydration in babies and children
You can reduce the risk of dehydration by:
- encouraging frequent drinking, especially in hot weather
- offering extra fluids during illness
- continuing breastfeeds or formula feeds during mild illness
- giving oral rehydration solution early if vomiting or diarrhoea starts
- making sure your child rests when unwell
If you are worried about your child at any stage, seek medical advice.
