If the signs of dehydration are recognized early on, it may be treated with a brief visit to the doctor's office or emergency room. It's important to recognize other signs, besides poor feeding, that place a baby at risk for dehydration. The most common cause of dehydration in childhood is diarrhea. A baby may drink a normal amount of milk but have increased loss of fluid, due to diarrhea, and become dehydrated. More frequent feedings can help prevent dehydration, but keep an eye, in conjunction with your physician, on the baby.
Babies can also lose fluid from vomiting.
It is usually more forceful in nature and larger in volume. Spitting up often occurs right after a feeding, while vomiting can occur at any time. Vomiting can cause dehydration or be a sign of serious dehydration. Vomiting may be the result of dehydration, intestinal blockage, or infection. A common sign of infection is fever.