The AAP recommends alerting your baby’s doctor if any of the following symptoms develop:
Mild to moderate dehydration:
- Plays less than usual.
- Urinates less frequently (for infants, fewer than six wet diapers per day).
- If dehydration is caused by diarrhea, stools will be loose. If caused by vomiting or fever, there will be fewer stools.
- Parched, dry mouth.
- Fewer tears when crying.
- Sunken soft spot of the head in an infant or toddler.
Severe dehydration (in addition to the symptoms and signals already listed):
- Very fussy.
- Excessively sleepy.
- Sunken eyes.
- Cool, discolored hands and feet.
- Wrinkled skin.
- Urinates only one to two times per day.