08.06.2024

How to protect children from dehydration in extreme heat?

May was the warmest May on record. It is also the 12th consecutive month that it has exceeded temperature records. This is shown by the data of the climate service of the EU Copernicus.

What's more, the forecast for the coming days is that the weather will get warmer. However, the heat will be accompanied by short-term precipitation, which will contribute to the increase in evaporation.

In such a situation, we must be very careful not to allow dehydration of the body, especially in small children.

Hydration is essential for the health of young children. For them, dehydration can lead to life-threatening conditions, especially if it's hot outside. Something every parent wishes to avoid. Proper hydration suggests that 80% of the fluids needed by the body should be obtained from liquids and 20% from food. The required daily amounts vary according to the age of the child.

It is recommended that babies be fed only breast milk until about 6 months of age. Then they do not need additional fluids. When weaning begins, most parents are faced with doubts about whether the child is getting enough water. What should be the required water intake and when are symptoms of dehydration a concern? Let's take a look at the answers.

How much fluid does a child need according to age?

A child between the ages of 1 and 3 needs 1,3 liters of daily fluids from food and drink. It is necessary to take at least 1 liter of them from drinks only. This equates to about 4 glasses of water daily. For older children, between 4 and 8 years of age, the total daily fluid intake should be 1,6 L, of which 1,3 L from drinks only. This equates to about 5-6 glasses of water daily.

What liquids are recommended for the little ones?

The Bulgarian Pediatric Association recommends that babies and children under the age of 7 drink mostly spring water. In addition to having a beneficial effect on health and taking care of the normal course of physiological processes in the body, water keeps the oral cavity clean. It washes the sugars and acids from the teeth as a result of the intake of sweet, mushy foods and sweetened drinks, as well as the stains from the juices on the enamel and stimulates salivation. Devin Izvorna is among the waters recommended by the Bulgarian Pediatric Association because it is naturally pure, is not further processed during bottling and is suitable for daily use by pregnant women, babies and small children, without the need to boil it.

Signs of dehydration

Children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, especially under the age of 5. Dehydration can occur or happen if they have been in the sun for too long, as well as when they are sick and have a temperature above 38°C, suffer from vomiting, diarrhea or sweat more intensely.

Signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine with a strong smell, dry mouth, lips and eyes, dizziness, excessive tiredness or unexplained restlessness, going to the bathroom less often (less than 4 times a day), fewer wet diapers than usual. These symptoms are not very worrying, but they are a signal to pay more serious attention to the child's hydration.

If, in addition to these signs, the child is breathing rapidly, is sleepy, produces little or no tears when crying, the extremities are cold and mottled, there is a sunken fontanelle (in newborns), it is time to consult a pediatrician.