During the warmer months of the year, our bodies require more water to replace our sweat. In adults, staying properly hydrated is simple because you can listen to your body and know what it needs. For children, identifying signs of dehydration and maintaining proper hydration can be difficult. Children may be unable to properly communicate their needs with their parents, so it is important to understand signs that your child could be dehydrated.
At AFC Urgent Care Burlington, our walk-in clinic is available 7 days a week to provide families with rapid healthcare. We provide treatment for patients of all ages, and are able to help identify signs of dehydration in children. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online in advance below.
Signs of Dehydration in Children
Dehydration is a very common medical condition. Our bodies require water to function, and as we go throughout our daily life it is important to replenish your body with water. For active children, this is especially important for overall health. However, it can be difficult to determine how much water your child needs, especially if you’re unsure how much they have had throughout the day at school.
Signs of dehydration in children to watch out for include:
- Fatigue
- Dry lips
- Using the bathroom less frequently than usual
- Dark yellow urine
- Lack of tears when crying
How Much Water Do Children Need?
How much water your child should be drinking a day depends on their age, size, and activity level. You can use this chart as guidance. You should always speak to your pediatrician if you’re concerned about your child being dehydrated. However, a general rule of thumb is that your child should be drinking one 8oz cup of water in correlation with their age. For example, a 3 year old should drink 3 glasses of water a day.
If your child is especially active throughout the day, they may need more water to stay properly hydrated. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration throughout the week so that you can be aware of their needs.
Tips for Keeping Your Child Hydrated
Even as adults, it can be difficult to stay hydrated throughout the day. For some, the taste of water is deterring. For others, it is just difficult to remember to take a hydration break. Your child may not know their body's signals for water, which is why it is vital that you monitor your child for signs of dehydration and monitor their water intake to ensure that they’re drinking enough. If your child is fussy about drinking water, try these tips:
- Feed water-rich foods like fruits and soups
- Try offering water at different temperatures
- Offer fruit-infused water
- Make fruit smoothies or popsicles with high water content
Visit AFC Burlington for Same-Day Dehydration Treatment
If you’re concerned that your child is not meeting their water requirements, it is important to get them checked out by a medical professional. At AFC Urgent Care Burlington, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for patients of all ages. Our medical providers are board-certified and able to check for signs of dehydration and provide treatment as needed, and suggestions for staying hydrated.
We understand that getting an appointment with your pediatrician can be difficult. Our clinic accepts walk-in patients and has short wait times! We never require you to schedule an appointment, and are open 7 days a week, including on weekends. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. For more information, give us a call at (781) 270-4700.
