Going without water is like trying to navigate a treacherous desert sans-camel. Ditto for babies, except, in this case, the camel is a boob or a bottle. Babies are dehydration-ripe because they guzzle liquids faster than a midfielder in overtime, especially during illnesses that bake up a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Now, till they hit the six-month milestone, milk – from breast or formula – is their liquid lifeline. A tad of water can enter the mix post-six months, but it's the milk round till they blow out their first candle.

But what if your baby's Sahara-sore? Mouthing around with a desert-dry mouth, peeing midnight-dark urine or operating on a diaper drier than usual could be the warning signals. Now, push that panic button only if your little one's turned alarmingly listless or is displaying superhero strength in resisting wake-up calls.

See, dehydration's not always about the waterworks. It can mess with your baby’s moods faster than a teething toy disappearing act. Unusually blobby or weak? Might be casualty to dehydration. We're talking about symptoms you don't need an ER doc to catch. If you can pat yourself on the back for catching these early, chances are, a quick hop to your healthcare provider should straighten things right back up.

For dehydration that's gone beyond drowsiness and diapers, scoot to your nearest ER. And for cripe's sake, if you pinch your baby's skin and it holds the pinch, think 911.

Home remedies? For the mild end of dehydration, more boob/bottle time is your best bet. Perhaps with some Pedialyte per your doc's orders. Now remember, the PED is like the sidekick to milk, not replacing it. And water, just like at the bar, is a no-go for the under-six-months crowd.

Whether you're rooting for team boob or team bottle, there are signs to assure you your munchkin's getting their fill: a river of diapers, mellow mood, and a robust weight gain. Grappling with the possibility of milk shortfall? Call in your health provider. Depending on the severity, they'll walk you through the ropes: an ORS like Pedialyte or ReSoMal, or, for the serious cases, an IV or a nasogastric tube for fluid refills.

You can't miss it when your baby’s making a comeback - the wet diapers are back in town, they're peppy again, and most importantly, they don't scare you with bouts of sudden sleepiness. Bottom line? Dehydration in babies can be a tricky adversary, but your best defense is vigilance. Look out for changes and when in doubt, don't shy away from tapping into a healthcare provider's wisdom. Remember, it's a thirsty world out there. Let's not let our kiddos go dry.