Keep your toddler hydrated
Dehydration is a serious condition for people of any age. In toddlers, dehydration is especially dangerous as they need adequate nutrition and water in order to maintain their growth. Here are some easy ways to prevent dehydration in toddlers.
Instructions
1. Give your toddler plenty of liquids. While any liquid will help prevent dehydration, water is best.
2. Keep a bottle of water handy at all times. This is even more important in hot weather months when toddlers sweat more. No matter where you are, always have a bottle of water with you for your toddler.
3. Encourage your toddler to drink more water when it is very hot out, when your toddler is sweating or if he is maintaining a high energy level. Prevention is key and prompting your toddler to drink more water is often effective.
4. Incorporate water-rich foods into your toddler's diet on hot days. Foods such as watermelon and grapes have high water content and help to keep you and your toddler hydrated.
5. Prompt your toddler to drink more water if she has experienced any water loss due to vomiting, diarrhea or fever. If your toddler refuses to drink any water, it may be due to a pain when swallowing or a sore throat. Take your toddler to the doctor if she won't drink any water.
6. Assess if your toddler is dehydrated. Signs of dehydration in toddlers include no tears even though he's crying, dry lips, very dark urine, no urine for six hours or more and general lethargy. Serious signs of dehydration include cold hands and feet, excessive sleeping and sunken eyes. If you suspect your toddler is dehydrated, take him to a doctor. He may need an IV to rehydrate him.
7. Purchase an electrolyte liquid if your toddler has lost liquids and needs to rehydrate. Most pharmacies offer these liquids in a variety of different brands such as Pedialyte and ReVital.
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