Signs of dehydration in babies
Dehydration in babies: wet diaper count and the other signs, severe signs, when to call
Reviewed against its source, listed below
When to call
- The AAP says to tell the pediatrician immediately if any of these signs develop.
At a glance
- Signs of mild to moderate dehydration in a baby: fewer than six wet diapers a day, fewer tears when crying, a dry mouth, a sunken soft spot on the head, playing less than usual.
- Severe signs: very fussy or unusually sleepy, sunken eyes, cool and discoloured hands and feet, wrinkled skin, peeing only once or twice a day.
- Vomiting or diarrhea are the usual causes in babies, so watch the diaper count closely while a baby is sick.
In Livia
When your baby is sick, log every diaper, wet or dirty: History shows them day by day, and the count is the first number a pediatrician asks for.
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Education from the sources listed, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child, call your pediatrician; in an emergency, call 911.