With the weather hot again this summer and temperatures consistently above 30 degrees it’s more important than ever to keep babies, toddlers and children hydrated. Children are busy bees and get easily distracted running around without remembering to stop and drink. Have you noticed if your child becomes more irritable, tired, naughty or just not acting themselves in the heat?

Could it be dehydration? Your child might not be able to explain how they are feeling so keep a check on their symptoms to look out for signs of dehydration.

Are they?:

• Feeling thirsty
• Dark yellow and strong smelling pee
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Feeling tired or irritable
• Dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day or nappies drier than usual.

If your child shows any of these symptoms of dehydration here are some tips to quench their thirst and help keep them safe:

• Give regular small sips and allow them to gradually drink more if they can.
• You can use a spoon or medicine syringe to make it easier for your child to swallow the fluids.
• Remember, breastfed babies will want more feeds than usual and this includes night feeds too.
• Did you know that milk is also one of the best choices for keeping hydrated?
• Offer ice-lollies, or even allow juice, when you might ordinarily say no.
• Fresh fruit and salad also counts towards water intake.
• At night time, it’s a good idea to always leave a sippy cup of water next to the bed.

If dehydration becomes a serious issue and turns quickly from heat exhaustion to heat stroke get medical help immediately.  That’s when nausea, high temperature and headache don’t resolve with rehydration within 30 minutes. A child will appear flushed and red but remain dry ie. doesn’t have sweat or tears and can be unconscious and floppy. They are at risk of a seizure so should be seen straight away.