Dehydration in babies and children

Dehydration occurs when a child loses fluids faster than they replace them through drinking or eating.

It can be caused by vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, heat stroke, certain medications, not drinking enough, exercise, or hot weather.

Fluids are essential for temperature control, nutrient transport, waste removal, and organ function. Children are at higher risk because they lose fluids more easily, are often active or unwell, may not say they’re thirsty, and rely on adults for fluids.