Infants suffering from infections can become dangerously dehydrated if parents are unable to recognize the signs, warns a University of Iowa pediatrician.

"Severe diarrhea and vomiting caused by infections--viral or bacterial--might lead to dehydration if lost body fluids aren't replaced," says Dr. Edward Bell, professor of pediatrics in the UI Carver College of Medicine. Bell also is on the staff of UI Hospitals and Clinics.

Dehydration results if not enough water is taken into the body or excessive water is lost from the body, through diarrhea, vomiting or perspiration, Bell says.

An infant who has more than one bowel movement for each feeding, especially watery bowel movements, or vomits after feedings might eventually become dehydrated, he says.

"Dehydration in infants can be life-threatening if it isn't recognized and treated," Bell says. "Parents should be able to recognize signs of dehydration in infants."

Signs of dehydration include urinating less frequently, dry and sticky gums and inside of the mouth, dry skin, lack of tears when the infant cries, and a slightly sunken fontanel--the soft spot on top of the infant's head.

Dehydrated infants should be given other fluids rather than just plain tap water to replace lost fluids, Bell says. Electrolytes not contained in sufficient quantities in tap water--such as sodium, potassium and chloride--must be replaced in the body. Fruit and vegetable juices and flat, caffeine-free soda are good sources of these electrolytes, he adds. Among the best beverages for dehydrated infants are the commercial rehydration solutions that can be found in the infant formula section of a grocery store or drug store.

"If diarrhea is severe, you should avoid feeding an infant milk products that contain milk sugar," Bell says. "Severe diarrhea, especially if prolonged, may impair the infant's ability to digest milk products."

Solid foods also can irritate the intestines and should be eliminated until diarrhea subsides.

"It is important to remember that fluids--not food--must be replaced in an infant's body during dehydration," Bell says. "And a child won't starve if he or she doesn't eat solid foods for a few days."

Bell suggests consulting your physician if severe diarrhea and vomiting occur in an infant.