Maintaining Your Child's Fluid Balance During Winters

By Dr. Tushar Maniar in Centre for Child Health

Apr 24 , 2023 | 1 min read

Maintaining fluid balance is crucial for children's health and well-being. During the winter season in India, the change in weather patterns, along with decreased fluid intake and severe dehydration, can lead to various health complications. This article highlights the causes of dehydration in children during different seasons, its symptoms, its impact, and effective solutions.

Why it Occurs

The main reason for dehydration in children during winter is the decrease in fluid intake, as children tend to feel less thirsty in colder weather. Additionally, winter illnesses such as colds, flu, and respiratory infections can cause dehydration, as fever increases the need for fluids and the body tries to fight it by sweating, leading to further fluid loss. Some viral fevers can also result in vomiting and diarrhea, exacerbating the risk of dehydration and salt imbalance.

Dehydration can be difficult to detect in children, with symptoms including dry skin and mouth, increased thirst, dark yellow urine, fatigue, dizziness, headache, decreased urine output, sunken eyes, and decreased alertness (indicating severe dehydration).

Impact of Reduced Fluid Intake

Reduced fluid intake and dehydration pose a serious threat to children's health and well-being, causing decreased physical performance, fatigue, weakness, and reduced activity levels. It can also lead to muscle cramps and impair cognitive function, causing decreased focus, attention, and memory. Chronic dehydration may indicate an underlying serious health problem in children, leading to stunted growth, kidney diseases, low hemoglobin, and other health issues.

Solutions for healthy and hydrated children

To ensure healthy fluid levels in children during winter, encourage them to drink plenty of water and other fluids, aiming for 8-10 glasses per day (for children over 10 years of age). Other options include soups, milk, buttermilk, broths, etc. Fruit juices should be consumed in moderation as they contain high levels of sugar. Children should also avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks, as these can increase fluid loss and dehydrate the body. Encourage children to consume high fluid content foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to increase fluid intake and provide essential vitamins and minerals. By following these simple steps, we can help ensure that children stay hydrated and healthy during the winter season.