Newborn Dehydration Symptoms

Dehydration is a serious medical issue for newborns and young children. In severe cases, babies who are dehydrated may not have enough fluids to supply the organs with blood, which can cause shock. Dehydration can develop quickly in babies and is more serious than in adults because babies use more water and their kidneys don't conserve water as efficiently as adults. Mild dehydration can be treated by replacing the fluids a baby is losing, preferably with an electrolyte solution. In more severe cases, babies may need to receive fluids intravenously.

  1. Dry Diapers

    • If a baby goes more than 6 hours without producing a wet diaper, he is probably dehydrated. Older babies may go more than 6 hours at night without urinating, but daytime diapers should be wet at least every 6 hours.

    Dark Urine

    • When babies are dehydrated, the urine is typically darker than usual or may have a stronger smell than is typical. Always check your baby's diapers when she is sick to make sure her urine is normal.

    Lethargy

    • Newborns who are dehydrated may show signs of lethargy, such as not playing or interacting normally or being sleepier than usual.

    No Tears

    • Babies who have begun crying real tears may cry without producing tears when they are dehydrated. In newborns who have not yet begun to cry tears, this is not a reliable indicator of dehydration.

    Severe Dehydration

    • Signs of severe dehydration in a newborn include excessive lethargy or fussiness, a sunken soft spot, or fontanel, on the baby's head and hands and feet that are cold and splotchy. Babies who are severely dehydrated also may have sunken eyes, a dry or parched mouth and tongue and have lost more than 5 percent of their body weight. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical treatment.

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