Josephine and Simon have enjoyed a summer day at the beach and helped their toddler, Michaela, built her first sandcastle. On the way home, she is cranky. Josephine checks her diaper, but it's dry again. Michi complains and cries, but Simon notices that she isn't producing any tears. They begin to wonder: Could their little one be dehydrated?

The body needs a good amount of fluids and salts (also called electrolytes) to function properly. Diarrhea, sweating, fever, heat, vomiting, exertion, insufficient fluid intake, drinking diuretics (fluids that cause excess urination, like caffeinated sodas) and even breathing with an open mouth can lead to loss of fluids. If these fluids are not regularly replenished, you begin to see signs of dehydration.

Babies often become dehydrated because they aren't as conscious of being thirsty or don't know how to ask for fluids. Commonly, they just start feeling lousy. By the time a toddler feels thirsty, he is probably already quite dehydrated.

For infants, dehydration can develop quickly and even become life threatening if not treated properly. As a parent, it is important to learn to recognize the characteristics of dehydration.

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