The following table provides the assessment criteria for the severity of dehydration in infants.
| Signs | Severity - Mild | Severity - Moderate | Severity - Severe |
|---|---|---|---|
| General condition | Thirsty, restless, agitated | Thirsty, restless, irritable | Withdrawn, somnolent or comatose; rapid deep breathing |
| Pulse | Normal | Rapid, weak | Rapid, weak |
| Anterior fontanelle | Normal | Sunken | Very sunken |
| Eyes | Normal | Sunken | Very sunken |
| Tears | Present | Absent | Absent |
| Mucous membranes | Slightly dry | Dry | Dry |
| Skin turgor | Normal | Decreased | Decreased with tenting |
| Urine | Normal | Reduced, concentrated | None for several hours |
| Weight loss | 4-5% | 6-9% | Greater than 10% |
Source: Health Information for International Travel. Chapter 8: Travelling Safely with Infants and Children. USA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Online) 2005 (Cited 2007 March 24).