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Tips to Prevent Dehydration in Babies and Children

Winter is fast approaching and it seems that colds and flu have already hit the kids hard. Here in Cape Town at least. There is also a tummy bug doing the rounds. Three of Cara’s class mates were at home last week with severe diarrhoea. It is very scary when these little ones, especially babies, get so sick as the chance of dehydration is so real.

How to Prevent Dehydration in Babies and Children

Dehydration occurs when fluids leave the body faster than it is being replaced. When this happens, it upsets the balance of minerals that enable all parts of the body to function optimally.

Babies and young children are very sensitive to fluid loss and it is extremely important that parents are aware of the signs.

What are the signs of dehydration in babies and young children?

  • A marked decrease in the number of wet nappies
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Urine that looks darker and smells stronger than usual
  • A dry, parched mouth and lips and less elasticity in the skin
  • Fewer or no tears while crying
  • Eyes and fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of the head) appear sunken
  • Lethargy, excessive sleepiness or fussiness.

Severe dehydration occurs when more than 10% of bodily fluid is lost. It can have serious medical consequences and can even lead to death. Immediate medical intervention is needed, but if parents are aware of the signs of dehydration, they can take steps to prevent it. Always contact your doctor if you have any reason to be concerned, as they will be able to give you the best advice.

For mild dehydration, doctors often recommend an oral rehydration solution (ORS) in small and frequent doses to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

If your little one is suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting, keep offering small amounts of an ORS at regular intervals as some will be retained in her body.

Sick babies often refuse to drink or eat anything when they are sick. It can help to put  an ORS into a syringe and squirt it into the baby’s mouth. Make sure to do it very slowly and only small amounts at a time to ensure that baby does not gag or choke.

Our GP recommends REHIDRAT® and we always make sure to have stock in our medicine cabinet. Did you know that you can give REHIDRAT® to babies from 3 months old?!

How to prevent dehydration in babies and young children

REHIDRAT® is a good option as it is safe for babies older than 3 months and contains an optimal balance of sugars, salts and minerals to effectively treat dehydration and electrolyte loss due to gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. It contains no artificial preservatives, colourants or sweeteners and is available in 3 flavours – Blackcurrant, Orange and Vanilla. The Vanilla flavour is usually easily accepted by children as it is specially designed to taste sweeter. Available at Clicks, Dis-Chem and leading pharmacies.   

Stay healty. Stay hydrated. With REHIDRAT®.

Disclosure Ranking: 3. Images sourced from Google.

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How to Raise a Child of Character

“Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece—by thought, choice, courage and determination.”

– John Luther

We all want to raise children who will one day have ‘great character’ – an individual who cares for and about themselves as well as others.  Parenting obviously plays a huge role in the development of children’s character.

That last sentence puts so much pressure on you as a parent, doesn’t it?! Or am I the only mom constantly worried that I am failing my child?!

We all want our children to be compassionate, kind, patient, giving, loyal, honest, respectful … the list goes on. But how do you teach these values to your little one?

How to Raise a Child of Character

I discovered a list of 52 character building thoughts for children (By Leah Davies, M.Ed.) earlier today and I think it’s very useful. The quotes are aimed at teachers and the article gives tips on how to share these with their students. The list is aimed at older children, but I narrowed the list down to these 20 thoughts that I will be using to help my little girl develop these virtues.

Tips on How to Raise a Child of Character

 20 Character Building Thoughts for Children

  1. I treat others the way I want them to treat me.
  2. I am a good sport; I follow the rules, take turns and play fair.
  3. It is okay to laugh at funny things, but not to laugh at others.
  4. In order to have friends, I must act in a kind way.
  5. When I listen, I show others that I care about them.
  6. I try to understand what my friends are feeling.
  7. Sharing with others makes me feel good and makes them feel good too.
  8. I am being polite when I wait for my turn and say please and thank you.
  9. I encourage my friends to do their best.
  10. I am honest; I do not cheat or steal.
  11. When I am angry, I use self-control and do not hurt others.
  12. I am being creative when I dance, draw, paint or write a poem or story.
  13. I do not make fun of other children because I don’t know what their life is like.
  14. I feel successful when I do my best.
  15. Everyone has good and bad feelings.
  16. I take care of myself by eating healthy food, exercising and getting enough rest.
  17. Using manners helps me keep my friends.
  18. I have courage to stand up for children who are teased.
  19. I am me — I do not try to be like someone else.
  20. I care about living things on earth so I recycle and do not litter.

I would love to hear what you think.

Please share your thoughts on how to raise a child of character?

xoxo