Signs of Dehydration in Babies: Urine, Stool, Crying, and More (2024)

Dehydration happens when babies lose more fluids than they drink. Babies are more prone to dehydration because they need more fluids and lose them faster than adults. Illnesses such as stomach bugs that cause fever, diarrhea, or vomiting increase the risk.

Until age 6 months, babies get their fluids from breast milk or formula. After 6 months, they can have small amounts of water, but breast milk or formula should be their primary fluids until they reach 12 months. A healthcare provider may suggest an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte if your baby is sick. Early signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, darker urine (pee), and fewer wet diapers.

Physical Signs a Baby Is Dehydrated

Oral Symptoms

Oral symptoms of dehydration in babies include:

• Dry mouth and lips
• Less saliva
• Pale, dry, or cracked tongue

Mood and Behavior Changes

Dehydration can result in mood and behavior changes like:

• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty waking
• Excessive crying
• Less interest in play
• Lethargy or weakness

Skin

Dehydration can make a baby’s skin:

• Blotchy
• Cool or clammy
• Discolored
• Dry
• Less elastic

Urine (Pee) Signs

Urinary signs of dehydration include:

• Darker urine
• Fewer wet diapers
  
• Stronger smell

Stool (Poop) Signs

After the first week, breastfed babies usually have mustard yellow, greenish, or light brown loose and seedy stools. Formula-fed babies typically have firmer yellow-to-brown stools. If a baby doesn’t have enough fluid, their body reabsorbs water from the digestive tract, leading to:

• Darker stools
• Drier or harder stools
• Less frequent stools

Eye Symptoms

Fluid loss in and around a baby’s eyes can cause:

• Dry eyes
• Fewer tears
• Sunken eyes
• Dark circles

Sunken Fontanel

The anterior fontanel is the soft spot on the top of the baby’s head. It should feel soft and level with the skull. A sunken fontanel could be a sign of dehydration.

Other Symptoms

Additional signs of dehydration include:

• Fast breathing
• Fast heart rate
• Unconsciousness
• Weight loss

Which Dehydration Signs Are Minor vs. Severe?

Minor Signs

Minor signs of dehydration that you may be able to treat at home include:

• Darker urine
• Fewer wet diapers
• Mild thirst
• Slightly dry mouth
• Weight loss (3% to 5 %)

If your baby has mild dehydration, let your child's healthcare provider know.

Moderate Signs

Signs of moderate dehydration include:

• Dark yellow or strong-smelling urine
• Dry mouth and skin
• Faster heart rate and breathing
• Fewer tears
• Fussiness
• Less interactive
• Less than six wet diapers per day
• Poor skin turgor (skin takes two to four seconds to bounce back)
• Thirst
• Weight loss (6% to 9% of body weight)

For moderate or worsening symptoms, go to urgent care if your provider isn't available.

Severe Signs

Severe symptoms of dehydration include:

• Cool, bluish-gray, or blotchy skin
  
• Minimal or no urine output
• No tears
• Poor skin turgor (tents, meaning staying in a tent shape, for four or more seconds)
• Rapid or deep breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Sunken fontanel
• Unresponsiveness
• Very dry mouth
• Weak or fast pulse
• Weight loss of 10% or more

Seek emergency medical help immediately for severe symptoms.

How to Rehydrate a Baby

At Home

For mild dehydration, offer more breast milk or formula. Your provider may suggest small amounts of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte to replace lost fluids and nutrients if your baby is sick. Follow these guidelines:

• If your baby is vomiting, give small sips about one-third tablespoon, or about 5 millimeters (mL), every five to 10 minutes. If vomiting continues, pause for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again.
• For diarrhea, offer 1 tablespoon (15 mL) less frequently.
• Increase the amount gradually as tolerated. Continue offering fluids regularly until your baby feels better.

ORS should complement, not replace, breast milk or formula. Avoid water for babies under six months. Water can be given in small amounts for babies over 6 months, but breast milk or formula should remain their primary fluid.

At a Medical Facility

Healthcare providers will assess the severity of your baby’s dehydration through vital signs, weight, exams, and diagnostic tests. If your baby can keep fluids down, they might start with ORS or ReSoMal (rehydration solution for malnourished), which has different mineral levels than regular ORS.

If your baby has moderate or severe dehydration or can’t keep fluids down, the healthcare team may give intravenous (IV) fluids to restore hydration quickly. Sometimes, they use a nasogastric (NG) tube to deliver fluids from the nose to the stomach.

Monitoring a Baby During the Rehydration Stages

Watch your baby’s behavior and feeding patterns to track their improvement during rehydration. Look for these signs of progress:

• Able to hold down fluids
• Increased alertness
• Less fussiness
• More interested in feeding
• More wet and dirty diapers
• No fever
• Normal skin turgor and color

Signs the baby may be worsening include:

• Darker or less frequent urine or stools
  
• Increased fussiness
• Refusal to feed
• Sunken eyes or fontanel
• Unusual tiredness
  

Summary

Dehydration happens when a baby loses more fluids than they drink. This can occur quickly because babies need a lot of fluids and lose them fast. Common causes are illness, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Signs include fewer wet diapers, dark urine, dry mouth, and tiredness. To manage mild dehydration, give breast milk or formula more often and ask your provider about small sips of Pedialyte. If symptoms include severe signs like no wet diapers, unresponsiveness, or a sunken fontanel, seek emergency medical care.