Dehydration In Toddler's: Why Should Parents Be Concerned About Dehydration In Toddler's

Water is one of the most essential components of our body and of course, we cannot survive without water. Generally, dehydration in toddlers is most common during the summer or when they have an infection. And a lack of water( i.e.., dehydration) can create a variety of health problems in toddlers, starting from mild to severe. However, various natural remedies will help you to compensate for water loss or dehydration.

The following article will help you understand the facts regarding dehydration in toddlers and the way to tackle it using natural home remedies.

You can also Read: Healthy Eating Habits: Why It Is Important And How To Develop Healthy Eating Habits In Toddler's

Constipation In Toddler's: Why Should Parents Be Concerned About Their Toddler's Constipation 

What Is Dehydration?

Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more water and fluids than it takes in, and the body is unable to perform out its normal functions due to a lack of water and other fluids. When the water content of the blood begins to decline, the resulting imbalance disturbs the usual level of salt, sugar, and minerals in the body leading to a variety of harmful effects.

Symptoms Of Dehydration

If your toddler is suffering from an infection, he or she may show any or all of the following symptoms of dehydration

---> feeling thirsty

---> urine with dark yellow colored and a strong smell

---> feeling dizzy and tired

---> a dry mouth and cracked lips

---> passes less urine( i.e.., fewer than 4 times per day or no urine for 8 to 12 hours)

---> no tears when crying

---> excessive sleepiness and sunken eyes

Note: When it comes to toddlers, dehydration is a serious worry, and it should be treated immediately if you see any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

Causes of Dehydration

The following are the most common causes of dehydration in toddlers:

---> more fluid loss than intake, especially during illness

 ---> less fluid intake( i.e.., not drinking enough water)

Other factors that may increase your child's risk of becoming dehydrated include:

---> fever

---> vomiting

---> diarrhea

---> increased sweating

---> chronic illness like bowel disorder, diabetes

Home Remedies To Treat Dehydration Naturally

Dehydration must be treated immediately before it becomes a medical emergency or a major problem. Are you looking for natural remedies for dehydration? There is no need to be concerned. Just for you, here are some natural home remedies to treat dehydration in toddlers:

1. Natural Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution(ORS)

ORS is one of the most effective ways to restore the fluid lost by the body

To Prepare ORS You Need:

Ingredients

Water - 2cups

Sugar - 3Tsp

Salt - 1/4Tsp

Method

---> Mix all the above-listed ingredients until sugar and salt is completely dissolved

---> Feed this solution to your toddler until the signs of dehydration go away

Note: The sugar in this solution contains glucose, which helps to replace salt and water lost due to dehydration.

2. Coconut Water(Tender)

Naturally, sodium and potassium are abundant in tender coconut water. It is also a powerhouse of electrolytes. Generally, during dehydration, the body loses a significant amount of sodium and potassium. So, drinking coconut water helps to compensate for the body's losses.

Note: For best result, feed coconut water to the toddler once or twice a day

3. Buttermilk

Dehydration can also be treated with buttermilk. It is high in magnesium and potassium and is also a good source of probiotics. Dehydration causes mineral loss( magnesium and potassium). So, having buttermilk is the best way to replace lost minerals in the body,

To Prepare Buttermilk You Need

Ingredients

Curd - 1Cup( beat the curd until it becomes watery stage)

Fresh Grated Ginger (or) Dry Ginger Powder - 1/2Tsp

Salt - To taste

Method

---> Mix all the above-listed ingredients

---> To combat dehydration, you can feed this drink to your toddler has around 1 to 2 small glasses every day.

Other Home Remedies To Treat Dehydration

1. Feed foods that aid with hydration

Make sure your toddler eats enough fruits and veggies that are high in water such as watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, lettuce, and so on. You can also give tender coconut water and fresh fruit juices.

2. Give enough water

Encourage your toddler to drink water at regular intervals and to drink more water when the weather is hot or humid

Foods To Avoid When You Are Dehydrated

---> Avoid giving packed fruit juices and sports drinks since they contain high sugar and sodium which can increase the dehydration levels

---> If your child has diarrhea, avoid giving them formula or cow's milk because it may aggravate loose stools

Note: You can also consult a pediatrician to find out what foods are best for your toddler when he or she is dehydrated. Once the toddler is back in good health, you can serve them their usual foods as well as store-bought foods.

How To Prevent Dehydration In Toddlers?

The only way to keep toddlers from becoming dehydrated is to encourage them to drink more water. Remember that, if your toddler is more active, obviously they will require more water. In general, preventing dehydration involves limiting the body's excessive loss of fluids. The following are some suggestions for preventing dehydration in toddlers:

---> ensure that your toddler is properly hydrated at all times. Give them enough fluids to keep up with their lifestyle and the weather condition. If a toddler spends a lot of time outside,  they need more water than those who play indoors

---> sweating is the most common way for the body to lose fluids, and it will be high in hot or humid weather, so they should drink enough water regularly.

---> practice good hygiene such as washing hands when coming back home from outside and educate your toddler about healthy eating habits such as washing hands before and after meals. These habits help your toddler to prevent infections

---> During hot and humid weather conditions it is important to dress up your toddler in light-weight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes because heat dissipation is better in these outfits, which helps to reduce the possibility of overheating and dehydration

When Should You See A Doctor?

If your toddler shows the following symptoms, then it is highly recommended that to take your toddler to consult a doctor

---> Semi unconsciousness

---> Continuous vomiting and/or diarrhea

---> passes urine only once or twice in 24 hours

---> toddler is unable to keep any fluids

---> abdominal pain

---> a fever of more than 100°F

---> blood in the stool

Note: Vomiting and diarrhea cause extreme fluid loss and infrequent urination indicates that dehydration has already begun.

Final Thought

Maintain hydration for your toddler - when they are physically active or when they fall sick or when the weather is hot and humid. In most mild cases of dehydration, it can be prevented and treated with basic natural home remedies or simply by increasing fluid consumption. However, in moderate to severe cases dehydration requires medical care and should be treated immediately.

Now you understand the facts about "Dehydration in Toddlers". I hope, you can able to help your toddler in the case of mild dehydration. After a day of following natural home remedies for your toddler. And still, you find the same symptoms of dehydration then it is recommended to consult your toddler's doctor.

Disclaimer: The facts and natural home remedies for treating dehydration in toddlers are based on my own personal experience. Always consult your doctor before following any home remedies to treat dehydration in toddlers.