Babies can definitely get thirsty when it’s hot outside. In fact, babies are at higher risk of dehydration than adults in hot weather. There are a few key reasons for this:
Babies have a higher surface area to body weight ratio
Babies have a proportionately larger surface area compared to their body weight than adults. This means they absorb heat faster when the temperature rises. Evaporative cooling from sweating helps regulate body temperature, but babies can’t sweat as efficiently as adults.
Babies feel the effects of heat more quickly
A baby’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s. Babies don’t have as much experience regulating their body temperature as adults. They may not realize they’re overheating or communicate their discomfort as readily.
Babies require more fluids relative to their size
Babies need around 100-180 ml of fluids per kg of body weight per day. An average newborn weighs 3-4 kg, so requires 300-720 ml per day. That’s a significant amount relative to their tiny bodies and weight. They become dehydrated more easily if they aren’t getting enough fluids.
Signs your baby is getting dehydrated
Watch for these signs of dehydration if baby seems uncomfortable in the heat:
- Decreased wet diapers
- Dry mouth and lips
- Sunken eyes, cheeks, or soft spot on head
- Irritability and fussiness
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Elevated body temperature
How much extra fluid does baby need in hot weather?
Babies need extra fluids in hot weather to replace what is lost through sweating and breathing. Some guidelines for extra fluids per day:
| Age | Weight | Extra Fluids Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 3-6 kg | 60-120 ml |
| 6-12 months | 7-10 kg | 140-200 ml |
Increase fluids gradually and keep track of wet diapers to ensure baby is getting enough but not too much. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Tips for keeping baby hydrated in the heat
Here are some tips for making sure your baby stays hydrated when temperatures rise:
- Breastfeed frequently – breastmilk provides ideal hydration.
- Offer bottle-fed babies small, frequent feeds.
- Always offer the breast or bottle before naps/bedtime.
- Give extra cooled boiled water between feeds – a few sips at a time.
- Avoid giving water to newborns under 6 months without asking your pediatrician.
- Dress baby lightly in breathable clothing.
- Use damp washcloths to cool baby’s skin.
- Keep baby’s head covered when outside.
- Use fans and keep baby out of direct sunlight.
- Never leave baby alone in a hot car.
How to tell if baby is dehydrated
Monitor your baby closely in hot weather for these signs of dehydration:
- Strong yellow or dark urine
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day for an infant
- Crying without tears
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Sunken soft spot on baby’s head
- Lack of energy or lethargy
- Irritability, fussiness
If you notice any of these signs, call your pediatrician right away. Mild dehydration can progress quickly in babies. It’s important to catch it early.
When to seek medical care
Take your baby to the doctor or emergency room if they have:
- A rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) in infants younger than 3 months
- Dry diapers for over 8 hours
- Excessive sleepiness, lethargy, or fussiness
- Crying without tears
- Sunken eyes, cheeks, or soft spot on head
- Dark yellow urine or little to no urine output
- Rapid breathing or heartbeat
Dehydration can happen fast in babies and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Always call your doctor or seek emergency care if you suspect your baby is dehydrated.
Can babies drink too much water?
Giving babies extra water in hot weather is generally safe. But it is possible for babies to drink too much water, which can be dangerous. Signs of overhydration include:
- Excessive urination – more than 8-10 completely clear, nearly colorless wet diapers per day
- Bloated abdomen
- Vomiting
- Irritability
- Seizures
Overhydration flushes out electrolytes needed for normal body function. Consult your doctor immediately if your baby shows signs of having too much water.
Offering water safely
Follow these tips for safely providing extra fluids to babies:
- Always start with small amounts – a few sips or spoonfuls at a time.
- Increase gradually while monitoring diapers to ensure adequate hydration.
- Avoid giving water to newborns under 6 months old unless recommended by a doctor.
- Always use boiled, filtered water that is cooled to room temperature.
- Avoid letting baby “chug” large volumes of water quickly.
- Stop extra water if baby seems overhydrated or refuses to drink more.
What fluids can babies drink?
The best fluid for babies is breastmilk or formula. Other fluids you can provide include:
- Water – Boiled, filtered tap water cooled to room temperature. Avoid unsterilized water.
- Fruit juice – Small amounts of 100% fruit juice diluted with water once baby is over 6 months old.
- Oral rehydration solutions – Special fluids that contain water, salts, and sugar to replace electrolytes.
- Fruit purees – Pureed fruits like applesauce contain liquid that contributes to hydration.
- Soup broth – Clear vegetable or chicken broths without added salt.
- Flavored ice – Plain frozen fruit purees or ice cubes made with breastmilk or formula.
Avoid sugary drinks, sodas, caffeinated beverages, and any sweetened juices. These have no nutritional value and too much sugar for babies.
Setting up a hydration station
Make it easy to keep baby hydrated by setting up a hydration station. Have on hand:
- Cleaned bottles filled with refrigerated water or breastmilk
- Spoons and small cups for giving sips of water
- A stock of baby oral rehydration solution packets
- Frozen fruit purees or breastmilk ice cubes
- Fruit juice diluted with water
- A spray bottle to mist baby’s skin
Keep track of baby’s wet diapers and offer frequent small amounts of fluids to stay ahead of dehydration. Having supplies ready to go makes it easier to keep baby’s fluid intake up when it’s hot.
Preventing dehydration in the heat
You can help prevent dehydration by taking these proactive steps:
- Breastfeed or bottle feed more frequently.
- Offer small amounts of water several times a day.
- Keep baby’s skin damp and use fans to promote evaporative cooling.
- Dress baby in lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Limit time spent outdoors during peak heat hours.
- Keep baby out of direct sunlight.
- Use sun shades on car windows.
- Watch for early signs of dehydration.
Planning ahead by having extra fluids on hand and closely monitoring your baby are key to keeping them safe and hydrated when the temperatures climb.
Act quickly if baby seems dehydrated
If you suspect your baby is dehydrated, take these steps right away:
- Move baby to a cooler location.
- Undress baby down to just a diaper.
- Use cool cloths to help lower body temperature.
- Offer small sips of cool water frequently.
- Continue breastfeeding as normal.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
The earlier dehydration is caught, the easier it is to treat. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you are concerned. Dehydration can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Can dehydration cause fever in babies?
Yes, dehydration can sometimes cause a fever in babies. When babies lose too much fluid, they have difficulty regulating their internal body temperature. As they overheat, this triggers the body’s temperature control system to reset the brain’s thermal set point to a higher temperature.
Other ways dehydration can lead to fever include:
- Dry skin decreasing ability to sweat and cool down
- Changes in blood volume and flow impairing heat dissipation
- Electrolyte imbalances interfering with temperature regulation
If your baby has a fever along with other dehydration symptoms like fussiness or fewer wet diapers, increasing fluids can help lower their temperature. But fevers always warrant medical attention in babies to rule out serious illness. Contact your pediatrician right away if your infant has a fever.
Danger signs when babies have fever and dehydration
Watch for these dangerous warning signs if your baby has a fever combined with dehydration:
- A rectal temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) in babies under 3 months old – seek emergency care
- A rectal temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) in babies over 3 months old
- Purple splotchy skin indicating blood flow issues
- Neck stiffness suggesting meningitis
- Difficulty breathing or increased heart rate
- Listlessness, extreme fatigue, or loss of consciousness
- Seizures
When dehydration is severe enough to cause fever, babies are at risk for serious complications. Call 911 or go to the ER immediately if your baby has any of these red flags along with fever and dehydration.
Preventing heat exhaustion in babies
You can help prevent heat exhaustion by taking these steps when temperatures climb:
- Dress babies in lightweight, loose clothing.
- Use light blankets and avoid swaddling.
- Keep babies out of direct sun.
- Limit time spent outdoors during peak heat hours.
- Use shade structures, umbrellas, and canopies when outside.
- Ensure babies are in a well-ventilated area.
- Provide ample fluids to babies and watch for signs of dehydration.
- Keep babies away from hot cars.
- Hold or place babies on cool surfaces like tile or stone floors.
- Use air conditioning or fans to keep babies’ surroundings cool.
Preventing heat exhaustion involves being vigilant about hydration, keeping babies cool, and minimizing heat exposure. If babies still seem hot, cranky, or lethargic in the heat, get them into a cooler environment right away.
Treating heat exhaustion in babies
If you suspect your baby has heat exhaustion, immediately:
- Move baby to a cool, preferably air conditioned location
- Loosen or remove clothing
- Fan air over baby’s body
- Apply cool, damp cloths or give a lukewarm bath
- Offer sips of cool water frequently
- Monitor baby’s temperature
- Observe for improved alertness and activity
- Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve or worsen
Getting overheated babies into a cooler environment and hydrating them right away can often reverse mild to moderate heat exhaustion. But babies can deteriorate quickly, so monitor them closely and call your doctor if you have any concerns.
Emergency treatment for heatstroke in babies
If your baby has symptoms of heatstroke like extremely high fever, rapid pulse, confusion, or unconsciousness, this is a medical emergency. Follow these steps while you await ambulance transportation to the hospital:
- Call 911 immediately
- Move baby to a cool area and remove clothing
- Use cool – not cold – water to lower body temperature
- Do not give baby fluids to drink
- Monitor breathing and heart rate
- Perform CPR if breathing or heart rate stops
- Take steps to prevent shock like laying baby flat and raising legs
Hospital treatments for baby heatstroke may include IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, oxygen therapy, close monitoring, and supportive medical care. Heatstroke has a high fatality rate if not properly treated, so immediately call 911 at the first signs in babies.
Conclusion
Babies are at very high risk for dehydration and heat illness when temperatures rise. Ensuring they get adequate fluids, stay cool, and avoid heat exposure is crucial. Watch closely for any signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion. Be prepared to treat these issues immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms don’t quickly improve or you see any red flags. Keeping babies safe in the heat requires vigilance, preparation, and prompt action at the earliest sign of problems.