Identify, prevent and treat this form of pediatric dehydration naturally
Toddler dehydration may lead to disorders from asthma, allergy, attention problems, slowed growth.
This page will discuss symptoms, prevention, dangers and treatment of a certain type of pediatric dehydration - dehydration occurring in the toddler phase.
However, it does not have the same potential for death that dehydration has in infants or the elderly.
Still to assure proper development make sure your child is properly hydrated.
Toddlers are usually identified as children between the ages of 1 - 3 years of age and even extending to 5 years of age. The word "toddler" comes from "toddling" which means beginning to walk.
Dehydration
Dehydration in children occurs when the child does not have enough fluids to meet basic physical needs. A particular child's needs could vary depending on size, activity and age.
Toddler dehydration is especially serious as growth and development depend on toddler having adeequate nutrients, calories and water fully available.
Symptoms of dehydration in children (1 - 4 years old)
* If you toddler hasn't produced a wet diaper in 6 hours or has produced 3 or fewer wet diapers in 24 hours
*Hard stools
*Fever
*Decreased appetite
*Rapid heartbeat
*Dark, yellow urine
*Dry lips and mouth
*Crying without tears
Treat at home or consult doctor.
Severe dehydration symptoms
*Sunken eyes
*Cold hands and feet
*Dizziness
*Sleepiness
*Irritability
*Grayish skin
The above suggests dehydration is life-threatening and demand an immediate trip to the emergency room.
Levels of dehydration
Mild dehydration can be easily corrected at home.
Moderate dehydration points to need for consultation with doctor.
Severe dehydration - transport child to the ER asap.
Causes of toddler dehydration
• Fever could lead to dehydration. If he's having pain when swallowing provide children's acetaminophen to ease the discomfort.
• Overheating leads to toddler dehydration due to overexertion, spending too much time in hot room leads to sweating and water loss. Provide more water and electrolyte drinks during hot weather, or if he's involved in sports or other physical activities.
• Diarrhea can lead to fluid loss. Avoid very sugary liquids, including fruit juice. It takes water to rid the body of the sugar in juice. Don't provide over-the-counter anti-diarrheals unless your physician recommends it. Encourage your toddler to drink more and supplement with water. If you think your child may be becoming dehydrated, you might give him an electrolyte drink such as Pedialyte.
• Vomiting due to viruses and intestinal infections. Trouble keeping liquids down can lead to toddler dehydration. Try giving him small amounts of fluid frequently. Start with a few tablespoons every ten minutes. If he's able to hold down this liquid for an hour, double the amount, wait 15 minutes between drinks. Electrolyte drinks are good for children who are vomiting. Ice pops and ice chips are good too.
• Refuses to drink? A sore throat or other pain-inducing condition can lead your child to avoid drinking. Provide children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain or discomfort, and then offer him a favorite drink frequently and in small quantities. Cold liquids or ice pops may be taken in easily. Citrus drinks, though, like orange juice and grapefruit juice may sting and burn the irritated tissues of his throat.
Preventing pediatric dehydration (1 - 4 years)
The old saw, "prevention is the best cure" applies. Here are some easy steps you could take to prevent dehydration in toddlers.
*Offer fluid, especially water
*Be more vigilant about encouraging drinking on warm days
*If activity level is high or child is sweating
*If suffering from dehydrating symptoms such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea
*Check for sore throat if your toddler is refusing to eat and drink
*Encourage toddler to drink water for health and to learn to appreciate the taste of water.
*If starting daycare, make sure child has access to water and is encouraged to drink water.
Correcting/treating toddler dehydration
For mild dehydration offer water. Cool water may entice your toddler more. Perhaps even ice chunks may encourage water consumption.
Can offer electrolyte like Pedialyte. Can also make your own, healthier, more convenient, economical substitute.
Electrolyte substitute
1 quart of safe, healthy water (click on navigation bar "Water Filters" for recommendations on water filters.)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 tbls sugar
Adult sports drinks should be avoided due to high sugar concentrate.
Balance liquids - give diluted juices, water and electrolyte drinks.
If toddler is eating properly, encourage her to drink water. If child is not eating well, encourage her to drink electrolyte drink to assure she has adequate minerals.
Toddler doesn't like to drink water?
This may occur if child has not been offered water as an older infant and beyond.
Encourage child to drink water. Model it yourself. Good for you and good for your child.
Offer increasingly diluted juice. Week one, 20% water, week 2 30% water and so on.
Here's a technique that works on a very deep level. Offer only water, even if just a few ounces, when your child is very thirsty. Then child could have a glass of juice. Your child will start to connect thirst quenching with water, just water.
How much water should toddlers drink?
Your toddler should drink about a quart of water a day. On the higher end if your child is older, bigger and/or more active.
Note: Don't count other fluids as water. Your toddler may get some water from a flavored liquid but much of the water will be needed to eliminate what's in the fluid in the first place. Like sugar.
Also, avoid cow's milk, salty broths, sodas, juices and gelatins. The available water in them is not sufficient to prevent toddler dehydration.
Finally, problems of contaminants in water may be more pressing for your toddler than for us adults. It would be of little value and even dangerous, to offer water if the water is of low quality.
* If you toddler hasn't produced a wet diaper in 6 hours or has produced 3 or fewer wet diapers in 24 hours
How much water should toddlers drink?