Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Dehydration: Drinking Enough Fluids (Babies and Young Children)

Table of Contents


Overview

When your child is not feeling well, he or she may not want anything to drink. This may happen if your child has a fever or diarrhea or is vomiting. It is important that your child drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

Not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation. When the weather gets hot or when your child is getting more exercise, he or she needs more to drink.

Use the following table to determine how many 240 mL (8 fl oz) bottles or cups of fluid your healthy baby or child needs each day.

Feeding amount by child's age

Child's age

Volume in millilitres

Number of 8-ounce bottles or cups


6 months


950 to 1,000


4.0 to 4.5


9 months


1,000 to 1,250


4.5 to 5.5


1 year


1,200 to 1,350


5.0 to 5.5


2 years


1,350 to 1,500


5.5 to 6.5


4 years


1,500 to 1,800


6.5 to 7.5

Keep track of how much your child drinks and urinates when he or she is ill. Remember that children may need to drink more when they have a fever or diarrhea or are vomiting.


Credits for Dehydration: Drinking Enough Fluids (Babies and Young Children)

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.