Whilst your baby or child is unwell, fluid intake becomes the main priority over food. If your baby or toddler is reluctant to drink - or refusing her food - concentrate on his or her fluid intake. With the exception of a very few children who have rare metabolic conditions, children can survive perfectly well for several days on very little food and liquid calories and water only. They may temporarily stop gaining weight or even lose a little but they nearly always soon make up for it when they are better.

For all babies less than 4 months and most babies 4-6 months old, milk is both their sole source of nutrition and their main fluid. When babies are unwell they may reduce their milk intake or even vomit after their breastfeeds or bottles. Babies who have coughs, colds, or bronchiolitis may find it very tiring to suck when they are already working hard with their breathing. This is particularly worrying as babies are more prone to dehydration than older children and there are limited options to keep their fluid intake up. The good news is that for 24- 48 hours most babies can tolerate a reduced fluid intake quite well. It is important to keep your poorly babies temperature down (see section below) as having a fever will make her less hungry, less likely to settle to feed and more likely to vomit her feed afterwards. Having a fever will also mean that her body uses up more fluid making her more likely to become dehydrated. However it is vital to seek medical attention if you are at all concerned about your child. Signs of dehydration to look out for include:

• A dry mouth
• Irritability
• A sunken fontanelle (this can be tricky to feel unless very sunken in severe dehydration)
• Less wet nappies than usual
• Absence of tears when crying in older babies and children
• “Sunken eyes” (severe dehydration)
• Dry nappies (severe dehydration)
• Drowsiness (severe dehydration)

It is a good idea to feed your baby frequent small feeds. This will reduce the chances of her vomiting or any breathing difficulties being made worse by having a very full stomach. You may need to offer her water as well as her usual milk.

Your doctor may advise you to use an oral rehydration fluid like Dioralyte which contains a special balance of glucose and minerals to help rehydrate your child. Never be tempted to add salt or sugar to your child’s drinks yourself, as this can be very dangerous.

Older babies and children who are reluctant to drink may be encouraged to do so by offering diluted fruit concentrates. Annabel’s Make Your Own fruit concentrates are available in Boots stores. Or try a tempting fresh fruit smoothie such as Annabel's Strawberry & Orange Lolly.

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