Symptoms of thirst in newborns

The stomach capacity of a newborn is relatively small, so the baby does not eat much each time. However, as the baby continues to grow, the newborn will often feel hungry or thirsty. Since newborns cannot speak, any needs they have are expressed through body language. Parents should understand the specific meaning of their children's actions. So, what are the signs of thirst in newborns?

1. 5 signs that your baby is thirsty

1. Licking lips

Children often lick their lips when they feel thirsty. This little action actually tells parents that they are thirsty. If parents see their children licking their lips from time to time, they should replenish their children with water in time.

2. The baby does not urinate for a long time

When the body lacks water, the body will spontaneously adjust, which will manifest as reduced urine, dry skin, etc. If the child does not urinate in the morning or the frequency of urination decreases, it means that the body is dehydrated. In addition, yellow urine and dry and hard stools are also signs that the baby is dehydrated.

3. Loss of appetite

Children’s appetite will also decrease when their bodies are dehydrated, because when the body’s water content is insufficient, gastrointestinal function will be inhibited, affecting the normal digestive function.

4. White flakes appear on the skin

If your baby's skin is dry for a long time, especially white flakes appear in winter, it means that the skin is chronically dehydrated. In addition to replenishing water for the child, you can use some pure plant moisturizers, children's facial creams, etc.

5. Sunken anterior fontanelle or eye sockets

The anterior fontanelle or eye sockets are slightly sunken compared to normal, and the number of tears produced during crying is relatively reduced, or there are no tears at all. This is a sign of acute and severe dehydration.

2. The amount of fluid your baby needs every day

The amount of fluid that babies under 1 year old need every day is: 120~160ml/kg body weight. The amount of fluid a 2-3 year old baby needs every day is: 100-140 ml/kg body weight. Parents can supplement their baby with about 10%-15% of their body weight in water every day according to the baby's own situation. As long as the baby's urination is normal, you can let the baby drink small amounts of water frequently.