How do I know if my child is dehydrated?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Read the outputs and the energy: dark strong-smelling pee, peeing less (fewer wet diapers in babies), dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, listlessness - the NHS sign list. Small bodies dehydrate fast with vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, so respond immediately: small frequent sips or oral rehydration solution, continued breast or formula feeds in infants, no undiluted juice or soda. The escalation lines: no wet diaper for 8-plus hours, lethargy replacing thirst, vomiting that keeps even sips down, sunken soft spot - same-day care, and urgent under age 1.
What to do
- Count wet diapers or bathroom trips. The objective home metric.
- Push small frequent fluids. Oral rehydration solution beats juice and soda.
- Keep infants feeding. Breast milk and formula continue through illness.
- Escalate on the hard signs. 8-plus hours dry, lethargic, cannot keep sips down: same day.
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