Is My Child Dehydrated? A Parent's Guide to Summer Safety

By Dr. Sam Ahn, MD (Family Medicine Specialist) | June 23, 2025

It’s that time of year again—long, sunny days filled with outdoor adventures. But with all the fun, it’s easy to worry if your little one is getting enough to drink, especially when fevers or a sudden stomach bug strike. It can be stressful trying to spot child dehydration symptoms before they become a bigger problem.

Quick Answer: The most common signs of dehydration in a child are a dry mouth, crying with few or no tears, and fewer wet diapers than usual (less than 4-6 in 24 hours). They may also seem more tired or irritable.

Understanding Child Dehydration

Dehydration happens when your child's body loses more fluid than it takes in. Think of it like a little plant on a hot day—it needs extra water to stay healthy and strong. In kids, this can happen faster than in adults.

During the summer, the main causes are sweating from playing in the heat, fever (which makes them lose fluid faster), and bouts of vomiting or diarrhea from a stomach bug. The key is to know what to look for and how to replace those lost fluids effectively.

Key Child Dehydration Symptoms to Watch For

It can be tough to tell if your child is just tired from playing or if something more is going on. Here are some clear signs to help you identify dehydration.

In babies and toddlers, look for:

• Dryness: A sticky or dry-feeling mouth. When they cry, you might notice very few or no tears.

• Diapers: This is one of the best indicators. For infants, fewer than six wet diapers in a day is a warning sign. For toddlers, going more than 6-8 hours without urinating is a concern. The urine may also be darker yellow and have a stronger smell.

• Behavior: They might be unusually sleepy, less active, or more irritable than normal. In babies, a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on their head) is a serious sign.

What to Do: A Simple Action Plan

1. Start Small: Don't try to get them to drink a whole cup at once, especially if they feel sick. Offer small, frequent sips of fluid every 15 minutes. A teaspoon or a medicine syringe can work well for little ones.

2. Choose the Right Fluids: For mild dehydration, water is great for kids over six months. If you suspect they've lost a lot of fluids from vomiting or diarrhea, an oral rehydration solution (like Pedialyte) is best because it replaces lost salts and electrolytes.

3. Keep Track: It’s hard to remember every sip and every diaper change when you’re worried. Use the Symptom Notepad in the FeverCoach app to log how much your child is drinking and how often they're urinating. This creates a clear record you can share with your doctor if needed.

When to Call the Doctor

Trust your instincts. If you are worried, it's always best to call your pediatrician. Seek immediate medical advice if your child:

• Has had no wet diaper for 6-8 hours.

• Is unusually sleepy, hard to wake up, or seems confused.

• Is crying but producing no tears.

• Has a sunken soft spot on their head (in infants).

• Has cool, discolored (blotchy) hands and feet.

• Has been repeatedly vomiting and cannot keep any fluids down.

Still have questions?

Every child is different, and it's normal to feel unsure. To get instant, personalized guidance on your child's symptoms, you can use the AI Coach in the FeverCoach app. It’s like having a pediatrician in your pocket, helping you know what to do next.