WITH the summer's first heatwave upon us, many Brits will be juggling keeping cool with enjoying the glorious weather.
But doctors have warned that all parents should be keeping an eye on their kids to watch out for signs of dehydration as temperatures soar.
GP and clinical consultant for patient.info Dr Sarah Jarvis told The Sun that dehydration is something that should concern all parents, whatever the age of their tots.
But mums and dads should be "particularly careful" if their children are under one, she stressed – even more so if their baby is six months and younger, was born prematurely or had a low birth weight.
Factors like tummy bugs – which are extremely common in young children, according to Dr Jarvis – and whether you've recently stopped breastfeeding your tot might make dehydration more likely, she went on.
The GP listed the nine signs parents should watch out for indicating their children are dangerously dehydrated.
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1. They're weeing less
For kids still wearing nappies, you might notice they have fewer wet ones, Dr Jarvis said.
She said less than four wet nappies a day could mean your baby is parched.
For kids who are potty and toilet trained, parents should take not if they're going less frequently and their wee is "dark and strong smelling", the GP added.
2. They're not producing tears
If your little one is crying but not producing any tears, that's a red flag that they need some liquids, Dr Jarvis said.
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3. They have a sunken soft spot on their head
Babies have soft spot on the top of their head that's called a fontanelle.
If this is sunken, this means your tot is dehydrated, Sarah explained.
4. They have sunken eyes
Another thing to watch out for in children – not just babies – is sunken eyes.
5. Their lips are dry
You should check if your child's lips, mouth and tongue look dry – if so, it's a sign they need some water, Dr Jarvis said.
6. They're complaining
As children get older, they'll obviously be able to tell you if they're feeling thirsty, so keep an ear out, Dr Jarvis advised parents.
7. Their hands and feet are cold
If your kid's hands and feet are cold despite the heat, this is a dehydration red flag, according to the GP.
When you're dehydrated, your circulation might shut down and be diverted from your peripherals – your hands and feet – so it can supply your vital organs, she explained.
8. They seem irritable
Another sign to look out for is if your baby or child seems irritable, drowsy or confused.
9. They're breathing faster than normal
Your tot breathing faster than normal could again indicate dehydration, as can a faster heartbeat.
Most parents won't easily be able to spot a change in their kid's heart rate that easily, but Dr Jarvis said a change in breathing would be noticeable.
What do I do to avoid dehydration?
"Do remember that children will be happy to run in the sun," Dr Jarvis said.
But she said it was important to keep them out of the rays, particularly between 11 and three o'clock.
Babies under six months should be kept out of the sun completely, the GP emphasised.
And she advised you slather your kids in SPF 50 sun cream.
Dr Jarvis added: "Sun suits can be really helpful."
These body-covering suits are made of a light, stretchy fabric that can block out UV rays better than loose weave clothing, even it they totally cover your tot's skin.
You also pop a hat on your kids' and babies' heads, she went on – it should have a flap at the back to cover their neck and a cap in the front to cover their face.
Most of all, "make sure that a drink is always there," Dr Jarvis stressed.
Fully breastfed babies don't need any extra water and formula should be enough to keep bottle fed little ones hydrated too.
Carry on feeding you baby as usual, but you can give them smaller and more frequent amounts if you think they're dehydrated, NHS guidance stated.
If your baby is on formula or on solid food, you can give them small sips of extra water – this should be boiled and cooled.
You shouldn't make your babies formula weaker or young children fruit juice or fizzy drinks, the NHS said.
Finally, to keep your kids cool, Dr Jarvis recommended you make sure their bedrooms don't heat up throughout the day by closing the blinds.
If you have a nursery thermometer, the ideal temperature for the space will be between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius, the GP said.
You can also place a paddling pool in a shaded area to stop your tots from overheating – but always supervise them.
And a cool bath before bedtime can be helpful, Dr Jarvis added.
When should I get urgent treatment?
According to the NHS, you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- your child seems drowsy
- they seem confused and disorientated
- your baby has fewer wet nappies
- your child is breathing quickly or has a fast heart rate
- your baby or child has few or no tears when they cry
- your baby has a soft spot on their head that sinks inwards (sunken fontanelle)
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These can be signs of serious dehydration that need urgent treatment, it said.
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