Preventing dehydration
One of the most important things you need to do if your baby is vomiting or has diarrhoea is to make sure she doesn’t become dehydrated. If your baby becomes dehydrated, she may need to be admitted to hospital to receive fluids via an intravenous drip. To keep your baby hydrated, try the following:
- If your baby is bottle-fed, do not give her milk. Instead, offer her frequent sips of cooled, boiled water. Keep encouraging her to drink, even if she can’t keep anything down for very long.
- If your baby is breastfed, let her continue to feed normally. Try also offering cooled, boiled water between feeds.
- Your GP may prescribe rehydration drinks to help replace any vital fluids your baby has lost. Don’t give rehydration drinks without first seeking advice from your GP.
Don’t be too concerned if your baby loses weight while she has an upset stomach. You’ll probably find that the weight goes back on quickly when she’s better.
Tags: baby, preventing dehydration
Posted in Children's Health
