Dehydration in babies

[brendasaysrelax]

Dd is 13 months and has what we think is a nasty viral infection. Today she has started refusing her bottles and has really been eating and drinking very little. I took her to a&e on the advice of 111 and all of her obs were fine. Doctor agreed it's most likely viral. However they said to watch out for dehydration and dry nappies. I'm really trying to encourage her to have little sips but she's so grumpy and lethargic that she doesn't want anything, I'm even struggling to get calpol down her.

Her nappies aren't completely dry but drier than usual and her wee is darker and stronger. She's had little sips throughout the day but not a lot at all. How much is enough for a one year old? When should I worry? And do you have any tips for getting her to take fluids?

Minimum amount is 8oz I think, 240ml?

Honestly you’re worried give her squash, juice, anything she’ll take. Ice poles to suck on, and don’t sweat the sugar while she’s so poorly. It’s so hard when they’re little.

watch for the signs of dehydration and absolutely take he back in if you’re at all worried. Xxx

While she was having her formula she would have been getting enough but today for some reason she has point blank refused all bottles and has only had sips of water. Probably not 8oz worth either :-(

Have you tried giving her diluting juice?

Syringe water or weak squash into her at very regular intervals. Get rehydration sachets from the chemist in the morning. See if she'll take ice lollies, either kicking it or smashed up and spoon fed. If her wee is dark then she's starting to get a bit dehydrated already so be cautious. Is she sleeping now? I'd expect her morning nappy to be heavy wet. If it isn't, and she doesn't seem a good bit more interested in food and fluids, go back to a&e. Oh and try straws. I'm sure you have but my DD was hospitalised at 2 with dehydration and low blood sugars, she refused all food and drink after bashing her mouth painfully in a fall, and Every Single Person who saw her (3 day stay!) asked if we'd tried a fucking straw.

Not sure if it's the same for older babies but we had a similar thing with DD who is 4 months and A&E doc said they're not too concerned re dehydration until they've not had a wet/dirty nappy in 24hrs which surprised me. I think I'd call for advice if no wet nappy in like 8/12 hrs though

How is she this morning @brendasaysrelax ?

She had a few sips during the night but it still didn't seem like much. So I was surprised to see a very wet nappy this morning, never have I been so happy to change a wet nappy!

Having said that she's still refusing formula and only having very tiny sips of water this morning. I think her throat is very sore. I will try a syringe and straws. Really want to avoid a&e if I can, we were there for hours yesterday and it was awful.

Ive tried her with weak squash but she still doesn't seem interested :(

Ask your pharmacist about difflam spray if her throat is sore.

syringe fluids in little and ofren, give her things like ice pops to suck on. Will she have yoghurts and similar ?

Cucumbers should be quite soothing for the throat and full of water.

Tried her with some watermelon, got thrown immediately on the floor. Will try an ice pop after her nap. I am going to get some dioralyte or similar too.