Frequent clinical monitoring of volume status and checking of serum electrolytes (up to three times daily) is appropriate to prevent dehydration, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalance. VLBW newborns have an increased body surface to weight ratio, increasing risk for insensible fluid losses and dehydration. Humidified incubators and skin emollients can lessen insensible fluid loss in VLBW newborns. However, fluid overloading is not benign; it is associated with increased risk of congestive heart failure, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mortality. A degree of fluid restriction mitigates these risks.