What is a common sign of dehydration in infants?

A common sign of dehydration in infants is a decrease in urine output. Infants are particularly vulnerable to dehydration due to their smaller body size and higher fluid turnover compared to older children and adults. When an infant is dehydrated, their body conserves water, leading to less frequent urination. Normally, infants should have regular wet diapers, typically about six or more per day. A noticeable reduction in the number of wet diapers is a clear indicator that the infant may not be getting enough fluids.

Other signs of dehydration can include dry mouth, lethargy, sunken eyes, and loss of skin elasticity, but a decrease in urine output is one of the most direct and easily observable signs. The other options, such as increased appetite, fever, or frequent crying, do not directly indicate dehydration. Increased appetite might actually be seen in some cases, while fever can be a sign of infection or illness rather than dehydration. Frequent crying can also be caused by many factors and does not specifically indicate a lack of hydration.