Summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration in children, especially during outdoor play, travel, or viral illness.

Common signs of dehydration:

  • Dry mouth  
  • Reduced urine output  
  • Tiredness  
  • Irritability  
  • Dizziness  
  • Sunken eyes in younger children  

How parents can prevent dehydration:

  • Encourage frequent water intake  
  • Give ORS during loose motions/vomiting  
  • Avoid excessive outdoor activity in afternoon heat  
  • Offer fruits and homemade fluids  
  • Continue breastfeeding in infants  

Seek medical help immediately if:

  • Child becomes very sleepy  
  • Unable to drink fluids  
  • Persistent vomiting occurs  
  • No urine for several hours  
  • Fast breathing or lethargy develops  

Children can become dehydrated faster than adults, so early attention is important.