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Dehydration is common in children, and babies are especially susceptible to it. Overall, they require more fluids than older children and are more sensitive to fluid losses, said Jenelle Ferry, M.D., a board-certified neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrix® Neonatology of Florida. “Because infant’s bodies are overall smaller, it takes a smaller total loss of water to become dehydrated,” explained Dr. Ferry. “Infants also have a much larger surface area (skin area related to their overall mass) and can therefore lose more water daily,” she added. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms if you suspect your baby is dehydrated. “The earliest signs of dehydration will be fewer wet diapers or the urine in diapers appearing darker yellow,” said Dr. Ferry. Other early signs include fewer tears than normal or no tears as well as extreme drowsiness.
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