Signs of dehydration in toddlers

[BertieBotts]

DS (21mo) has been sick a couple of times this evening. XP usually has him on Sundays but texted this morning to say his girlfriend had been ill so he didn't go - he went yesterday though so I am thinking it could be a tummy bug.

I last changed his nappy at about half 5, and just taken it off now as he was sick on it, and it's completely dry/empty like a fresh nappy from the packet. When I changed him before I remember thinking it seemed less "full" than usual, but couldn't remember when I had changed it before then.

He is drinking breastmilk and sometimes having water, but then he was sick again shortly afterwards. Just wondering what I need to watch out for if I need to take him to A&E. He doesn't have a temperature.

He's had a wee now, but only a little one. Still being sick when I breastfeed him. I am a bit scared to google in case I find some horrible really rare complication or something! He seems to be getting hotter now but still no temperature.

just leave his nappy on for a while nothing else and see how he goes hope hes ok tho you could always ring nhs direct for advice

A doctor's test for dehydration is to press down on the child's finger nail until the nail bed turns white, then let go. If it doesn't return to its normal pink colour within two seconds then they're probably dehydrated. Also if they've got a dry mouth, sunken eyes and is crying without producing tears, they're definite signs.

NHS direct have always told me to keep giving toddlers drinks even though they're being sick, as they'll keep some of it down - try to get him to have little and often. Take his temperature every few hours and if it's raised then give him a cool bath or sponge him down.

Hope he's better soon.

Thank you. He's actually naked sitting on my lap on a towel - hence why I know it was a small wee. I will keep offering water/breastmilk. I thought that sponging down was not advised any more though?

He's falling asleep now. Is that okay? I did the fingernail thing and it came back pink straight away.

Probably a PFB question about sleeping considering he would usually be in bed by now anyway He's only had a tummy bug once before

Ah don't worry about being PFB, they're all precious .
I'm sure he'll be fine, let him go to sleep and if you need to (for your own sake) take his temperature while he's asleep. If and when he wakes in the night give him a sip of water or offer him the breast and let him have as much as he wants.

Didn't know sponging down was considered a bad thing - can't imagine it'd do a lot of harm.

Anyway, hope he has a good night and that he's OK tomorrow. If you've any concerns do phone NHS direct though, they're very good.