What is one sign of dehydration in children?

One sign of dehydration in children is dry mouth and decreased urination. When a child is dehydrated, their body does not have enough water to function properly, which can first manifest in the mouth becoming dry. Additionally, water output is typically reduced, leading to less frequent urination. Healthy hydration levels allow for normal saliva production and regular urination, so both dry mouth and a significant reduction in urination are clear indicators that the child may not be getting enough fluids.

In contrast, increased appetite is not a typical sign of dehydration and may actually be indicative of other issues. Brightly colored urine can signal dehydration, but it is not as direct an indicator as dry mouth and decreased urination, as darker urine alone might not clearly indicate the level of hydration without context. Excessive sweating generally indicates the body is working to cool down and can occur in well-hydrated individuals, making it less specific as a sign of dehydration in children. Thus, recognizing dry mouth alongside decreased urination provides a more definitive indication of dehydration's effects.