Which group of children is at the highest risk for dehydration?

Infants and toddlers are at the highest risk for dehydration due to several physiological and developmental factors. Firstly, their bodies have a higher percentage of water compared to older children and adults, which means they have a greater fluid requirement relative to their body weight. Additionally, they have a lower reserve of body fluids and are less able to concentrate urine, making them more vulnerable to fluid loss.

Infants and toddlers also experience rapid growth and may have increased fluid needs during illnesses, especially if they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Their inability to communicate thirst effectively and their dependence on caregivers for fluid intake further contribute to the risk.

In contrast, school-aged children and teenagers generally have a better ability to self-regulate their fluid intake and can communicate their needs more effectively, providing them with some resilience against dehydration. Adults, while capable of managing their hydration needs, do not fall into the same high-risk category as infants and toddlers due to their larger fluid reserves and better physiological adaptation to dehydration.