Key Information for Your Child's Stay
dehydration
Preventing and Treating
Keeping your child hydrated is important for healing and good health. Children are more likely to become dehydrated—their small bodies are not as good at keeping water as teen and adult bodies. Children who are sick or physically active are at an even higher risk of becoming dehydrated. During and after your child’s hospital stay, watch for these signs of dehydration and know how to prevent and treat it.
Signs of Dehydration
- dry mouth
- little or no urine
- dark urine
- fewer tears when crying
- sleepy or tired
- very fussy
- for infants, soft spot on the head looks sunken
Preventing Dehydration
Ask your doctor what you should do to prevent dehydration after your hospital stay. For many children, it may be as simple as reminding your child to drink water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Thirst means your child may already be dehydrated.
If your child is sick, give them plenty of liquids. Typically, children who are vomiting or have diarrhea should drink water or diluted fruit juice. If your child’s throat hurts and drinking is painful, try having your child suck on a popsicle or ice chips. However, please ask your doctor for the best approach if your child requires a special diet or tube feeding.
Children who are physically active need to drink extra fluids before their activity. During the activity, have your child take regular water breaks.
Treating Dehydration
Ask your doctor how to treat your child if they become dehydrated. You may need to follow special instructions depending on your child’s condition.
Usually for mild dehydration, let your child drink as much water as they want. If your child is sick and can’t keep water down, you may want to rehydrate your child. To rehydrate, give your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS is a special liquid that has the right salts and sugars to help your child keep water in their body. You can buy an ORS over-the-counter. Check with your doctor before giving your child an ORS.
Watch for Dehydration After Discharge
After your child leaves the hospital, be on the lookout for these signs of dehydration:
- too sick to drink
- extremely tired and weary
- regular dehydration symptoms (see list) are not improving
If your child shows any of these signs, call your doctor immediately.
