How to spot baby dehydration

Often when babies get bad tummy bugs they start to become dehydrated. Because babies have such small bodies, it's important to spot dehydration symptoms right away. Signs of baby dehydration:

• If your baby has fewer than six wet diapers in one 24 hour period.
• His mouth looks parched or dry.
• A lack of tears when he cries.
• A sunken fontanel (soft spot).
• Sunken eyes.
• If your baby has been throwing up continually for six hours or has been throwing up sporadically for 24 hours.

If your baby is sick and you'd like to avoid dehydration, the best plan is to continue breastfeeding as you always do. Breast milk can help your baby avoid dehydration. Many doctors recommend that formula fed babes be taken off formula and given an electrolyte solution instead when they're sick - but you should always check with your baby's pediatrician before doing this. With a baby, you shouldn't mess around. Dehydration progresses at an amazingly quick pace. If you suspect dehydration at all call your baby's pediatrician right away. I've seen toddlers go from suspected dehydration (such as the parents thought it wasn't too bad) to a hospital IV situation in less than a day. Toddlers have a much bigger body mass than babies. It's much better to be safe than sorry.