First Aid & Emergencies

Treating Dehydration in Children

Dehydration is a risk in babies and toddlers, especially in kids with vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Take signs of dehydration seriously.

Call Doctor If:

• You are worried that your child may be dehydrated.
• Your child has been vomiting for more than 12 hours.
• Your child has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
• You see signs of dehydration like dry diapers for eight hours, dry lips, sunken soft spot on the head, and crying with no tears.

1. Cool Off

• If your child has been in the sun or heat, get into a cool place.
• Dress your child in cool, lightweight clothing. This will also help if he has a fever.

2. Offer Fluids

• Give fluids in small amounts. Avoid juice or soda. If the child vomits afterward, wait 20 to 30 minutes and give the fluids again. If a child has vomited two or more times, call your pediatrician.
• If your infant is breastfeeding, continue to nurse your baby. Let him nurse more often.
• Your pediatrician may want you to give your baby small amounts of oral electrolyte solution. Check the amount with your doctor.
• Give toddlers about 1 tablespoon of oral electrolyte solution, ice chips, water, or clear broth every 15 minutes.

3. Go Slowly

• Encourage your child to take small frequent sips instead of drinking a lot at once.
• Offer Popsicles made with rehydration solution.

4. Observe Your Child

• If your child's symptoms aren't getting better, or your child continues to vomit, call your pediatrician or go to the emergency room.
• If your child is vomiting, do not give him acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Don't give aspirin to a child under age 16.