Why you should be concerned about infant dehydration?
Most adults are aware of the problems that can arise from dehydration; however issues concerning infant dehydration and dehydration in a toddler are much more severe. Giving your baby plenty of breast milk and formula may not be enough to fully hydrate them, especially during hot weather. Also, infants who are sick or have an infection are more likely to suffer from infant dehydration, which can be life threatening if not treated properly. After solid foods have been introduced into their diet it becomes even more important to make sure your baby receives the correct amount of liquids.
Drinking water is important to the health of toddlers as well in that it helps to defend against heat exhaustion, will help keep your toddler from being overweight, and will remove wastes from the body.
How can you tell if you are dealing with dehydration in a toddler or infant dehydration?
There are many signs that will help you see if you are dealing with dehydration in a toddler or an infant: If your child goes for several hours without a wet diaper, has dark-yellow or strong smelling urine, has a dry mouth, is over tired or fussy, or has sunken eyes.
Make sure your baby gets about one and one-half ounces of fluid for each pound of body weight. Although they usually get the amount they need from breast milk or formula, there may be times when they need more to help prevent infant dehydration. Pure, fresh Nursery® Water can be a healthy addition to your little one’s diet.
Water for the Whole Family
Water is a necessary part of family health because it:
- Is a vital part of every cell, tissue, organ, and bodily process.
- Regulates your body temperature.
- Removes wastes from the body.
- Carries nutrients, oxygen, and glucose to the cells to give you energy.
- Provides natural moisture to skin and other tissues.
- Cushions joints and helps strengthen muscles.
- Keeps your stool softer.
How can you prevent dehydration?
To help get the proper amount of water to satisfy your body’s unique requirements, review these easy tips.
- Fill a container each morning with the amount of water that you determined was appropriate for the day, then drink it or use it to make juice or tea. When the container is empty, you’ve met your goal for the day.
- Measure the amount of water in your usual glass or bottle. Most hold more than eight ounces. Make sure you drink two of them by early afternoon.
- Keep single-serving bottles of water in your car, backpack, or desk.
- Develop a “hydration habit”: Have a glass of water when you wake up, one with each meal, and one at bedtime.
- Check your urine to make sure you're getting enough. You should urinate every two to three hours during the day, and it should be clear to pale yellow in color.
