Parents with small kids or nurses/drs...dehydration help please...

[zachnsamsmommy]

Does anyone remember the signs of dehydration in a small child? Like how long they go without a wet diaper, and other signs?

DS2 now has the flu, and still has a temp of 100 even with tylenol (it was 103)...but he won't drink anything...and hasn't all day.

I don't want to be paranoid, but I want to know when to take him to the ped's office. (btw...the ped's office said not to bring him in unless his fever is over 104 and he is dehydrated). I've got a call in to the ped's office with the same question, but they haven't called me back yet.


Thanks!

 

[AshleyW]

Does anyone remember the signs of dehydration in a small child? Like how long they go without a wet diaper, and other signs?

DS2 now has the flu, and still has a temp of 100 even with tylenol (it was 103)...but he won't drink anything...and hasn't all day.

I don't want to be paranoid, but I want to know when to take him to the ped's office. (btw...the ped's office said not to bring him in unless his fever is over 104 and he is dehydrated). I've got a call in to the ped's office with the same question, but they haven't called me back yet.


Thanks!

This is from babycenter.com:

"Any of these signs could indicate that your toddler is dehydrated or is becoming dehydrated:
• More than six to eight hours without a wet diaper
• Urine that looks darker in his diaper and smells stronger than usual
• Lethargy
• A dry, parched mouth and lips
• No tears while crying

Signs that your toddler may be seriously dehydrated:
• Sunken eyes
• Hands and feet that feel cold and look splotchy
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or delirium
• Excessive sleepiness or fussiness"

Hope he feels better soon!

 

[ez]

not to scare you but my son has been hospitalized twice in the past year, both times he was dehydrated and both times the drs didnt think he was dehydrated by looking at him, but his bloodwork came back differently. Maybe your dr can order some bloodwork to see where he's at...last time I took my son to the er I had to argue for them to do bloodwork on him...they were gonna get him to sip some water and send him home...crazy huh? Good luck.

 

[Janet Hill]

http://www.symptomsofdehydration.com/

My kids never refused popsicles, slurpees, or icess when sick and these will all do the trick. They do make pediolyte (sp?) popsicles, but my kids hated them.

 

[bethbuchall]

Have you tried popsicles/ice pops to see if you can get some liquid in him?

I'm not a medical professional, and my "baby" is 10, but this is what I remember:

No wet diapers in 6-8 hours (I'm thinking that's for younger babies)
Dark urine
Dry lips, little saliva
Sunken eyes
Lethargy (though that could be the fever, too)
Skin on back of hand slow to return if gently pinched

I hope that the doctor's office gets back to you soon!

 

[kristilew]

I hope he feels better soon! Try a popsicle (home) made from watered down gatorade if he won't drink.

If you get desperate, you can eye-dropper him a little water at a time. If you don't have an eye dropper, you can use the old finger on the tip of the straw trick. Or, have him suck on a wet clean washcloth.

Good luck - it's awful seeing our kids sick, isn't it?

 

[JessicaR]

Pedialyte has ice pops. Think maybe he would suck on one a little? When my oldest was little we had many episodes of dehydration. Even a few tiny sips often help.

I was able to know he needed hydration by his lips and lack of saliva and tears. It happens quickly in small children especially is there is vomiting or diarrhea.

A call to your pediatrician was a great idea. I hope your little ones starts feeling better very quickly!