The benefits of drinking water go way beyond hydration. Drinking plenty of water can help your body stay balanced, regulate digestion and even reduce acne! Here are ten ways to make sure you’re doing it right!.
The “how to keep toddler hydrated when sick” is a guide that will tell you 10 ways to maximize your child’s hydration. The article will teach you how to make sure your child has enough fluids during their sickness.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to keep kids hydrated, how much water they should drink on a daily basis, the best hydration beverages for kids, and the indications of dehydration.
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Have you ever wondered whether your child is receiving enough water? Or does your child have trouble staying hydrated by drinking enough water? This is a guide for you. It contains the following information:
- Why is it so crucial for kids to keep hydrated?
- depending on their age and weight, the average amount of water they need
- how can you keep them hydrated?
- liquids to keep you hydrated
- Dehydration symptoms
Hydration for kids is even more vital if you live in a warm area or during the hot summer months! Let’s get started…
Why is it important to stay hydrated?
Most of us take it for granted, yet being hydrated ensures that our bodies work at their best. The same may be said for our children. Drinking adequate water is crucial for fundamental biological processes such as bowel motions and energy. In addition, dehydration may lead to a variety of issues, including headaches and even overeating.
When we’re thirsty, our brain often misinterprets the signal and believes we’re hungry. We obtain some liquid when we eat because certain foods provide hydration, such as fruits and vegetables that create juice.
Drinking some water, on the other hand, may occasionally help youngsters achieve their nutritional requirements without having to have another food. Something to consider if your youngster doesn’t drink much yet constantly complains about being hungry despite having eaten.
Water Consumption Recommendations for Children
How much water should your kid drink each day? A decent rule of thumb is to drink half of their body weight in ounces of water. If your youngster weighs 25 pounds, for example, aim for 12-13 ounces of water each day. They would need roughly 50 ounces each day if they weighed 100 pounds.
In general, the larger a youngster gets, the more hydration their body need!
If your kid exercises, sweats, or it’s hot outdoors, they’ll need to drink extra water to replace what they’ve lost. For children under the age of five, this might mean drinking an extra 4 ounces for every hour they are hot or sweating. For each extra hour, older or bigger children may need 8 ounces or more.
The American Academy of Pediatrics study has further information for children aged 5 and younger.
7 Ways for Kids to Stay Hydrated
As an occupational therapist who has worked with children with a variety of eating disorders, I’ve seen many children struggle to drink enough fluids. Some youngsters simply want milk, soda, or nothing at all to drink.
While milk and soda are hydrating, they aren’t as effective as water or other thin liquids with high electrolyte content. If your kid doesn’t drink enough water throughout the day, it might be distressing when summer arrives or you find yourself in a hot environment, since they can get overheated and dehydrated.
Helping your child learn to drink enough water or other thin liquids can ensure that they remain hydrated regardless of the weather.
If this is the situation with your kid, following suggestions might help them drink more water without getting into a power battle.
1st, figure out how much water they need to drink each day (use the guideline in the section above).
When you figure out how much your child needs to drink, you may discover that they are already drinking plenty. If you don’t know their weight, put them on a scale and find out how much water they need for the day.
#2. First thing in the morning, fill up a water bottle.
When water is readily accessible, your kid has access to it throughout the day. Using a water bottle allows them to carry the water with them wherever they go. Most water bottles have the ounces written on the side or bottom so you can keep track of how much you’ve consumed.
Take the water bottle with your kid everywhere he or she goes, including the automobile, the playground, a playdate, school, and outdoor play.
My friends know I always bring my kids’ water bottles wherever we go, and when we get at their place, they frequently comment, “They don’t need anything to drink, right?” “Did you bring their water bottles with you?”
Yes. I did it, of course. It’s always been a good method to keep children hydrated, and it’s been a part of our routine for years. When we leave the home, the kids are often crowded in front of the refrigerator water dispenser, each filling their own water bottle.
My children drink from Clean Canteen water bottles. They appeal to me since they are long-lasting, keep beverages cool, and are eco-friendly. They come in two sizes: 18oz and 12oz:
Younger children will most likely want to utilize something that is lighter and smaller. We’ve had a lot of fun with these Camel Backs:
As an added bonus, this kind of water bottle provides a lot of relaxing sensory input and aids in the development of oral motor skills.
#3. Remind them to drink something!
If your youngster isn’t drinking enough on their own, remind them regularly and informally. You may also just offer them the water bottle or place it to their lips and let them take a drink on their own.
When strapping smaller children into their car seats, I like to offer them a drink and say, “Take a sip.” While we travel to the park/store/school, you may keep drinking.”
Then you may deliver a few additional reminders while driving. Many children will obey since they are unable to do anything else and are confined to their chairs.
#4. Use a squeeze of lemon or orange juice as a finishing touch.
If your kid struggles to drink water because he or she can’t get beyond the taste, try adding some natural flavor. Of course, some children may like the flavor of lemon in their water, while others will despise it even more. However, you won’t know until you try a few times.
Make a glass of water with a squeeze of citrus in it and let your youngster taste it a few times to get them used to it. Inquire if they’d want to give it a go in their own water.
#5: Make their water icy cold!
Some children like ice, particularly crushed ice if it is available. They can hear the ice clinking around if you shake it up a little bit. The cold water masks a lot of the flavor, which might be beneficial for certain children.
Furthermore, on hot summer days, the ice cubes might assist in further cooling your youngster.
#6. Add sliced fruit to the water they’re in.
Dropping a few berries into their water can pique their attention, or you may create a huge pitcher with some fruit added to the water and pour it into their water bottles or offer it in fun open cups at meals or special moments throughout the day to boost their interest and fluid consumption.
#7. Consume watermelon!
Watermelon has a lot of moisture, so eating a large serving might help you stay hydrated. You can also make a fun slurry drink by blending watermelon with ice and water, or freeze it as popsicles!
#8. Include some sports drinks or fruit juices in the mix.
If your child is still struggling to drink enough water you can either mix in some sport drinks or not from concentrate 100% juice. Avoid using sugary drinks and look for high water content. (See my recommendations for the best liquids to keep you hydrated for kids below).
Alternatively, you may start with water and then allow your kid select a time of day to consume their juice or sport drink after the water is gone. I try not to use it as a bribe or a reward, instead concentrating on moderation.
#9 Allow them to choose their own water bottle.
Allow your youngster to select their water bottle in the morning if they need a little additional motivation. Alternatively, they might choose their preferred design. This style of water bottle comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. This can persuade them to drink more water during the day.
#10: Make ice popsicles
When it’s hot outdoors, use popsicles or ice chips to keep youngsters hydrated. You may also create popsicles out of juice or sports drinks.
If it’s chilly outside, bone broths and, of course, pedialyte may help, particularly if they’re sick and you’re on the verge of dehydration.
My Favorite liquids to keep you hydrated for Kids
Water is my personal favorite and the most often advised method for keeping kids hydrated. Sports drinks and juice, on the other hand, have a place. If your youngster refuses to drink any water at all, start by gradually watering down some of their favorite drinks.
Ready is the best sports drink.
I like the Ready brand since it does not include high fructose corn syrup, which is present in most other sports drinks. It’s quite normal. However, take in mind that the sugar content is still greater.
Honest Kids is the best fruit juice.
This juice has a consistency similar to water, is low in sugar, and is organic. It’s available in a variety of tastes, and my kids have been drinking it on occasion for years.
Key Dehydration symptoms in Kids
If you suspect your child isn’t drinking enough or it’s very hot outside you’ll want to watch for Dehydration symptoms in your child:
- Reduced activity level
- Dry mouth is a common complaint.
- Headache
- Constipation
- Urine is a dark yellow color with a strong odor.
- Dry skin
- Dizziness
- Urination is infrequent (no urination in 24 hours)
If you know your kid hasn’t been drinking much and you notice these symptoms, encourage them to drink some water or fluids right away while you phone their doctor. Make every effort to contact them as soon as possible; if you are unable to do so, you may need to transport them to an emergency room.
Keeping your kid hydrated may be as simple as following the guidelines above.
In the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you… Is it a difficult for your kid to drink enough water throughout the day? Do you have any suggestions to share? We’d love to hear from you!
If you’re new to the site, get our free printable 9 Ways to Improve Eating, which may also help youngsters remain more hydrated!
More on Kids’ Hydration
Children’s Sore Throat Popsicles that Soothe and Heal
Smoothie Recipe for Kids to Gain Weight Naturally
Make the Most of Your Child’s Nutrition with These Simple Snack Substitutes
What Is The Appropriate Amount Of Milk For A Toddler?
Pedialyte is a popular rehydration drink for children. It can help to keep hydrated and healthy when you are feeling dehydrated. Reference: pedialyte.
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