Hydration is important at every stage in life. For babies and young children, dehydration is even riskier than it is for adults. Newborn babies are most vulnerable, and dehydration is a serious cause for concern.
Newborn dehydration is a medical emergency. And since your baby can’t tell you what they’re feeling, you have to pay attention to the early signs and symptoms.
Why do newborns become dehydrated? Is this issue preventable? What do you do if you notice warning signs? Explore the answers to these questions so you can keep your little one happy, healthy, and hydrated.
How Newborn Babies Become Dehydrated
Like anyone else, babies get dehydrated when they don’t have enough fluids in their bodies. For newborns, this is especially dangerous because their internal fluid balance is more delicate.
Feeding Problems
If your baby isn’t getting enough milk (either breast milk or formula), they can become dehydrated. Newborns can’t drink water, but their milk contains a certain percentage of water that their bodies use for hydration.
Babies with feeding issues, like poor latching, can quickly become dehydrated from low milk intake. Sleeping through too many feeds can also cause problems, which is why your newborn doctor may recommend waking your baby to feed them regularly.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration in newborns. The rapid loss of fluids dehydrates your baby, and if they’re sick, they might not drink enough milk to make up for it.
Babies with persistent vomiting or diarrhea often need IV fluids at the hospital to maintain proper hydration. If you’re not sure whether the situation calls for an emergency room visit, contact your newborn doctor.
Increased Sweating
Hot weather increases sweating, which depletes fluid levels in your baby’s body. Overheating can cause other problems too, so it’s best to avoid extreme heat altogether and regulate your baby’s body temperature.
Important Signs of Newborn Dehydration
No matter the cause of your little one’s dehydration, you should know what to look for before things get worse. Dehydration can quickly become fatal for newborn babies.
Keep an eye out for the key warning signs, especially during hot weather or illness. Consult your newborn doctor if you’re unsure about a sign or symptom.
Few to No Wet Diapers
If your newborn has not produced a wet diaper in over six hours, they’re likely dehydrated. Low urine output indicates that your baby’s body doesn’t have enough fluids to stay hydrated.
By the eight-hour mark, a lack of wet diapers warrants medical intervention to replace the necessary fluids.
Crying Without Tears
When your baby cries, they should be producing tears. If you notice crying without tear production, especially when paired with other dehydration signals, it’s a cause for concern.
Excessive Fussiness and Discomfort
Dehydrated babies can’t express their discomfort in words, so you’ll likely notice more crying and fussiness than usual. This is especially true if your little one has an illness. If you’ve met all their needs (feeding, diapering, and sleep) and they’re still overly fussy, that could be a sign that they need more fluids.
Extreme Drowsiness
Dehydration causes extreme fatigue, especially in newborns. Uncharacteristic drowsiness is a red flag. If your baby has gotten the usual amount of sleep and food for the day but still can’t stay awake, they might be suffering from dehydration.
“Sunken-In” Appearance on the Top of the Head
The soft spot on the top of your baby’s head should feel firm to the touch and mostly flat. If it caves inward or appears “sunken in,” it’s a sign that your baby is dehydrated. Try to increase fluid intake immediately and contact your newborn doctor if you notice this.
When Dehydration Becomes a Medical Emergency
Severe dehydration is extremely dangerous and, unfortunately, fatal for many babies. Don’t wait until it’s too late for medical intervention. Instead, monitor your little one, remain in contact with their newborn doctor, and visit the emergency room if you notice things getting worse.
Your baby needs immediate medical attention if:
- They’re unconscious or unresponsive
- They can’t produce any tears when crying
- Their hands and feet are abnormally cold
- Their eyes look “sunken in”
- They’re breathing very fast
- Their skin looks blotchy
- They won’t drink any milk
- They’ve gone over eight hours without a wet diaper
- They have nonstop vomiting or diarrhea
These symptoms typically appear in the later stages of newborn dehydration, so once you notice them, it’s time to act.
How to Prevent Newborn Dehydration at Home
How can you prevent this problem altogether? Newborn dehydration is a serious problem, but in some cases, and with the right care at home, it’s preventable.
Increase Feedings
The first thing you should do when you notice early warning signs of dehydration in your newborn is to encourage fluid intake. Try to feed your child immediately and watch for signs of discomfort or distress.
If your baby won’t take milk, either from the breast or a bottle, do not give them water. This can cause medical problems, as their body isn’t equipped to process water on its own. Instead, continue to encourage feeding and monitor their symptoms.
Dress Baby for the Weather
Dress your baby appropriately for the environment. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is the best choice during the warmer months. To avoid overheating while sleeping, use breathable cotton crib sheets and keep the baby’s room between 68 and 72 degrees.
Stay Inside During Heat Waves
Avoid going outside in hot weather whenever possible. If you must go outdoors, keep your child in the shade and away from direct sunlight. Keep breast milk or formula on hand for extra hydration.
Keep Your Baby Well: Visit Newport Children’s Medical Group for Expert Guidance
As a parent, you want your little one to thrive in every possible way. We’re here to help you achieve that. At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we have a dedicated team of pediatricians, including pediatric pulmonologists, to support your child’s health.
If you suspect dehydration in your newborn, seek medical assistance right away. Book an appointment with one of our newborn doctors to keep your little one well throughout their childhood.