Many parents believe that only when children are thirsty do they need to supplement water. However, in reality, when children feel thirsty, the body has begun to fall into a state of dehydration.
In the summer or when children exercise a lot, the risk of dehydration increases. If not detected early, children may be tired, exhausted and affect their health.
Below are 7 warning signs that your baby may be dehydrated that parents should not be subjective about.
1. Dry and chapped lips
This is one of the easiest signs to notice. If the child's lips are abnormally dry even when not in a cold environment, parents should pay attention to supplementing water.
2. Dark urine
Yellow urine that is darker than normal or reduced urination frequency may be a sign that the child's body is dehydrated.
3. Tired, sedentary children
Water deprivation can make children sluggish, lose energy and no longer be enthusiastic about daily activities.
4. Skin drier than usual
When the body is not hydrated enough, the skin can become dry and less elastic.
5. Often irritable or fussy
In young children, dehydration is sometimes manifested by discomfort, crying, or irritability for unknown reasons.
6. Deep or dehydrated eyes
If the child's eyes look lower than normal or have fewer tears when crying, parents need to pay special attention.
7. Headache or dizziness in older children
Older children may complain of headaches, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating when the body is dehydrated.
What to do when suspecting a child is dehydrated?
Parents should give children water in small sips, supplement water regularly throughout the day and increase watery fruits such as watermelon, orange or pear.
In case the child shows signs of lethargy, high fever, frequent vomiting or cannot drink water, it is necessary to take the child to a medical facility for examination.
Don't wait until the child is thirsty to give them water.
Many initial signs of dehydration are easily mistaken for normal fatigue. Paying attention to observation and supplementing enough water every day is a simple way to help protect children's health, especially in hot weather.
