Dehydration in babies and children (Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne)

Information about dehydration in children: common causes, signs and what to do.

• Dehydration is when a child loses more fluid than they take in (babies/young kids are most at risk).
• Common causes include vomiting and diarrhoea (gastro) and illness that reduces drinking.
• Signs: mild (thirst, peeing less), moderate (less active, dry mouth, darker urine), severe (lethargy, sunken eyes, mottled/cold skin, very little/no urination).
• What to do: keep offering fluids, especially oral rehydration solution and clear fluids in small amounts often.
• Get urgent help: Call 000 / go to emergency for severe dehydration; seek medical advice urgently for under 6 months or if not improving.