Dehydration in babies is often most evident in their urine. If your baby urinates less frequently or the amount of urine is reduced and appears darker, it indicates that your baby needs more water. Additionally, observe your baby's bowel movements. Normal baby stools should be soft and yellow. If your baby shows signs of discomfort or cries during bowel movements, it indicates difficulty in passing stools, and it's time to give your baby water.
When the body lacks sufficient water, the secretion of digestive juices in the gastrointestinal tract decreases, affecting digestion. A dehydrated baby may show a lack of appetite and reluctance to eat. In such cases, consider giving your baby some soup or water before feeding them.
Crying is common among infants, but it can also indicate dehydration. If your baby cries with plenty of tears, it means they are well-hydrated. However, if your baby cries without tears or only whimpers, it's a sign of dehydration, and they need water immediately.
Babies sometimes pout, lick their lips, or stick out their tongue, which some parents find cute and often photograph. However, these actions may indicate that your baby is thirsty and trying to moisten their dry lips. It's best to give your baby some water at this time.
Infants have delicate, smooth skin. If a baby is dehydrated, their skin may lose its luster and even become dry and flaky. If you gently scratch your baby's skin with your fingernail and a white line appears, it indicates severe dehydration.