How do I keep my baby hydrated with hand, foot, and mouth?

Keeping Your Baby Hydrated During Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that primarily affects young children, causing painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. One of the significant concerns for parents during this illness is ensuring that their baby stays hydrated, as the discomfort from mouth sores can lead to decreased fluid intake. Here’s how to effectively keep your little one hydrated during this challenging time.
Understanding the Risks of Dehydration
Babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, especially when they are unwell. Conditions like HFMD can exacerbate this risk due to symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, and general malaise, which may cause your child to refuse fluids. Signs of dehydration in infants include dry mouth, decreased urine output, and lethargy. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your baby closely and encourage fluid intake.
Fluid Options for Hydration
When your baby is suffering from HFMD, it’s essential to offer fluids that are both soothing and hydrating. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Cold and Soothing Drinks: Cold beverages can help numb the pain from mouth sores, making it easier for your child to drink. Offer chilled water, milk, or diluted fruit juices. Avoid hot drinks and acidic beverages, as these can irritate the sores further.
2. Ice Chips and Popsicles: If your baby is old enough, ice chips or popsicles can be a fun and effective way to keep them hydrated. These not only provide hydration but also help soothe sore throats.
3. Frequent Small Sips: Encourage your child to take small sips of fluids frequently rather than large amounts at once. This can be less overwhelming and more manageable for them when they are feeling unwell.
4. Electrolyte Solutions: If your baby is refusing regular fluids, consider offering an electrolyte solution designed for infants. These can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, especially if your child has experienced vomiting or diarrhea.
Encouraging Fluid Intake
To promote hydration, create a positive and relaxed environment around drinking. Here are some tips:
– Make it Fun: Use colorful cups or straws to make drinking more appealing. Sometimes, a little creativity can entice a reluctant drinker.
– Routine: Incorporate fluid intake into your baby’s routine. Offer drinks at regular intervals, such as during playtime or after meals, to establish a habit.
– Monitor Intake: Keep track of how much your baby is drinking throughout the day. This will help you identify if they are getting enough fluids or if you need to intervene further.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your baby shows signs of severe dehydration—such as a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or significantly reduced urine output—it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Healthcare providers can offer additional support and may recommend intravenous fluids if necessary.
In conclusion, keeping your baby hydrated during hand, foot, and mouth disease is vital for their recovery. By offering soothing fluids, encouraging small sips, and monitoring their intake, you can help ensure that your little one stays hydrated and comfortable during this challenging time.

Should you moisturise hand foot and mouth?

If mouth sores are particularly bothersome, ask your doctor for treatments that may ease discomfort like lidocaine gel or magic mouthwash (usually not used in kids younger than 6 years of age). For skin rashes, a physician may recommend moisturizers. Symptoms do get better within 7 to 10 days for most people.

How can I get my baby to drink with HFM?

These tips may also make it easier to eat and drink.

1. Suck on ice pops or ice chips.
2. Eat ice cream or sherbet.
3. Sip cold drinks, such as water.
4. Sip warm drinks, such as tea.
5. Avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, fruit drinks and soda.
6. Eat soft foods that don’t need much chewing.

When does HFm peak?

In the temperate climates, cases tend to peak during the early summer, whereas in tropical climates, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, outbreaks usually occur in late spring and fall.

How to soothe hand, foot, and mouth baby?

To help the symptoms:

1. drink cool fluids to soothe the mouth and prevent dehydration (but avoid acidic drinks, such as fruit juice)
2. eat soft foods like yoghurt and avoid hot, salty and spicy foods.
3. take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a sore mouth or throat.

Are baths good for HFMD?

Baking Soda Bath
Add half a cup of baking soda to it and allow it to dissolve. Bath with this water. It will soothe the blistering skin. You can also make a baking soda rinse to soothe mouth blisters.

How can I speed up the healing process of hand, foot, and mouth?

Here, some home remedies for hand, foot, and mouth disease to try.

1. Over-the-counter pain relief.
2. Plenty of liquids.
3. Cold or soft foods.
4. Cover mouth blisters.
5. Rest.

What lotion is best for HFMD?

Treatment of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Topical creams, ointments, and lotions (like calamine) can help soothe the itchy rash. Swishing salt water can alleviate pain caused by mouth sores as well as sore throat, as can throat lozenges.

Can I hug my child with hand, foot, and mouth?

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs. Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.

When should I take my baby to the ER for HFM?

Call Your Doctor If:
Signs of dehydration occur. Fever lasts more than 3 days. You think your child needs to be seen.

What’s the worst stage of hand, foot, and mouth?

Symptoms are the worst in the first few days, and the virus usually runs its course in a week or so. How can you help your child cope with the discomfort? Unfortunately, there isn’t medicine to treat or cure HFMD.