Water for infants, older people and the sick in emergencies

Infants turn over a great deal of water relative to their small bodies. If fluid is lacking, for example through heat, fever or diarrhoea, this can become serious much faster for them than for adults. They also depend entirely on others to look after them.

In older people the sense of thirst is often weakened. Some deliberately drink little, for example because they worry about needing the toilet often at night or when out. Some medications affect the body's water balance, and some people may only drink limited amounts for medical reasons, for example with certain heart or kidney conditions.

Sick people lose additional water through fever, diarrhoea or vomiting, and their immune system may be weakened. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also need special attention. For all these groups, safe water and attentive care take priority.

Much can be clarified in advance, calmly and without pressure. Ask the paediatric or family practice which water is suitable for baby food, whether relatives have fluid restrictions and whether medications have particular water needs. Write down the answers and keep them with the supplies.

Set aside a separate, clearly labelled stock of safe water for infants and the sick – for example unopened bottled water, where the authorities recommend it for baby food. This stock is not touched for cooking or washing. Always prepare infant formula exactly as the pack says and never dilute it more to make it last. Anyone breastfeeding should drink enough themselves and seek advice if they have questions.

With older and sick people, actively offering helps: hand them a drink regularly, keep favourite drinks ready, place a filled cup or bottle within reach. A tick on a list reminds everyone when someone last drank. Clean bottles, teats and cups with safe water, and wash hands before every preparation.

For infant formula, use only water that the authorities or health services recommend for babies. Under a boil-water notice this also applies to bottles. Do not give infants chemically disinfected water or water you suspect contains chemicals without professional advice.

Warning signs are confusion, listlessness, very little urine, dry nappies for a long time, a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby's head) or persistent diarrhoea and vomiting. Then get medical help, and do it early. In an emergency call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

For diarrhoea, ready-made oral rehydration solutions from the pharmacy can help. They are prepared only according to the package leaflet, and for infants, young children and older people you seek medical advice. Anyone who has to limit their fluid intake for medical reasons clarifies with a doctor what applies in an emergency – drinking more is not automatically better here.

Under a boil-water notice with a baby in the house, the authorities often issue specific advice on preparing infant formula. It takes precedence over general rules; if in doubt, call the paediatric practice.

During a heatwave combined with a water outage, visit older neighbours or relatives, bring water and check whether they are drinking enough. Older people living alone in particular depend on attention from others in such situations.

This advice does not replace medical consultation. It is meant to help you prepare early, recognise warning signs and get help in time.