First Aid: Dehydration

Dehydration can happen if kids aren’t drinking enough liquids. They also can get dehydrated if they lose fluids through vomiting, diarrhea, or both.

Signs and Symptoms

Mild to moderate:

• a dry tongue
• few or no tears when crying
• rapid heart rate
• fussiness in an infant
• no wet diapers for 6 hours in an infant
• no urination (peeing) for 8 hours in children

Severe:

• very dry mouth (looks “sticky” inside)
• dry or wrinkly skin (especially on the belly and upper arms and legs)
• inactivity or decreased alertness and excessive sleepiness
• sunken eyes
• sunken soft spot on top of an infant’s head
• no peeing for 8 or more hours in an infant
• no peeing for 10 or more hours in a child
• deep, rapid breathing
• fast or weakened pulse

What to Do

Mild dehydration often can be treated at home. If your child has diarrhea but no vomiting, continue feeding a normal diet. If your child is vomiting, stop milk products and solid foods, and:

• Give infants an oral electrolyte solution (a solution that restores lost fluids and minerals), about 1 tablespoon every 15–20 minutes.
• Give children over 1 year old sips of clear fluids such as an oral electrolyte solution, ice chips, clear broth, or ice pops. Give 1 to 2 tablespoons every 15–20 minutes.

Get Emergency Medical Care if Your Child:

• shows any sign of severe dehydration
• can’t keep clear liquids down
• isn’t peeing

Think Prevention!

• Washing hands well and often can help prevent many of the illnesses that can lead to dehydration.
• Encourage taking in frequent, small amounts of liquids during illnesses to prevent dehydration.
• If vomiting happens, use only clear fluids to rehydrate.