There are three important steps to preventing dehydration. First, maintain a good hydration routine for your child. Second, learn how to "read" your child's urine for signs of dehydration. Third, recognize situations when your child may need more fluids than usual.

For an infant who is breastfeeding or on formula, your regular schedule for feeding should give your baby adequate fluids and nutrition. For a toddler, water or juice with all meals and snacks should provide enough fluids. A child will be better hydrated if he drinks throughout the day, rather than at one sitting.

Believe it or not, the best way to know if your child's hydration is adequate is to keep an eye on his diaper! A healthy infant typically has six or more wet diapers per day (this number decreases with age, so make a mental note of what is normal for your child). Any less may be a sign of dehydration. Also, the urine of a well-hydrated child (and adult!) is light yellow. Darker and more yellow urine is typically a sign of dehydration.

Your child may require more fluids depending on his activities, his diet and the environment. When it is hot, humid, windy or dry outside, make sure your child drinks more fluids. Air conditioning and indoor heating can also cause excess fluid to be lost through the skin. For example, the circulated air on an airplane (as well as altitude changes) commonly causes dehydration.

Your child will need more fluids when he is exerting himself, has a fever, is congested or has diarrhea or vomiting. Be sure to maintain good hydration when your child isn't well.

Importantly, caffeinated drinks such as sodas, tea or coffee are risky for children because they actually cause increased urination, resulting in unnecessary loss of fluids, not hydration.

Learn to recognize the early signs of dehydration, and act quickly if your child becomes dry. Remember, the best solution to preventing dehydration at any age is simple: Drink water.

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