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Early Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration in Children

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, children and older adults (age 60 and older) are susceptible to dehydration due to heat, vomiting, diarrhea or fever. Parents must have the ability to recognize the early signs in children to prevent life-threatening dehydration. Ill children must consume more fluids than are lost due to fever, vomiting or diarrhea.

  1. Lack of Tears

    • Children who are dehydrating may cry without tears. The body does not have the fluids necessary to produce tears in children lacking in fluids. This sign helps parents to identify the problem in babies and children too young to articulate how they feel.

    Lack of Urination

    • Children and adults have a lower urine output when dehydrated. Babies and toddlers in diapers may have six diapers or fewer in the early stages of dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic. A child that does not wet a diaper for six to eight hours may be experiencing severe dehydration. Older children not in diapers experience fewer trips to the bathroom for urination.

    Fatigue

    • Early signs of dehydration include fatigue and listlessness in children. Children who are dehydrating may be irritable, confused and dizzy as well. Children, who are severely dehydrated may be extremely sleepy, fussy and confused. The dehydration may cause babies and children to experience head pain. The muscles may feel weak during dehydration, which may explain fatigue and sluggishness.

    Dry Mouth

    • The early signs of dehydration cause the mucous membranes to become dry. This causes the mouth to become dry and sticky. Children who feel dehydrated experience thirst as well.

    Extreme Dehydration Symptoms

    • When dehydration advances to an extreme phase, the symptoms include a loss of elasticity in the skin. The skin remains in a pinched position when pulled or pinched. Children in severe dehydration may experience a rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and--in extreme cases--loss of consciousness. Parents may notice the soft spot on the baby's head appears shrunken in extreme cases of dehydration. Severe dehydration is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

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