Emergency & Urgent Care
Severe Dehydration
Dehydration happens when baby loses more fluids than taking in (from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or not eating).
Mild: dry lips, slightly fewer wet diapers. Moderate: very few wet diapers (<4/day), dark urine, dry mouth, sunken eyes. Severe: no tears when crying, no wet diapers for 8+ hours, sunken soft spot, extremely lethargic, pale/mottled skin.
Severe dehydration can lead to organ damage and is life-threatening.
What to Do
- For mild dehydration at home: Offer breast milk/formula more frequently (small amounts often)
- If over 6 months: Can offer pediatric electrolyte solution (Pedialyte) in small sips
- DO NOT give water alone to babies under 6 months (can worsen electrolyte imbalance)
- DO NOT give sports drinks, juice, or soda (wrong electrolyte balance)
- If vomiting: Wait 30-60 minutes, then offer 1 teaspoon every 5 minutes, gradually increase
- Monitor wet diapers closely - count and note times
- Check soft spot - if sunken, go to doctor immediately
- For severe dehydration: Go to ER - baby may need IV fluids
- Watch for signs of improvement: more wet diapers, tears return, more alert, moist mouth
When to call a doctor
Go to ER immediately if baby has no wet diapers for 8+ hours, sunken soft spot, no tears when crying, extremely lethargic/limp, dry cracked lips, or rapid breathing/heart rate.