Is your child Happily Hydrated ?
As adults we understand the importance of water intake in keeping us healthy, hydrated and active and we are also able to respond to the signs of the body when it requires water. But for kids it is not as simple, lack of water intake is pushing them towards problems like dehydration and constipation. The most common issue for kids drinking lack of water is the matter of taste preference. They tend to drink sweetened or flavored beverages like milkshakes, juices, sodas etc. more than water.
With the beginning of summers and days where heat would peak higher children are more prone to dehydration especially when they’re physical activities like playing outdoor, exercising, etc are increased with lessened academic hours. By the time kids feel they are thirsty they are already on the verge of dehydration. We have some easy hydration tips for your kids.
- Let fluids keep flowing
Instead of having fixed times or setting durations throughout the day for large amounts of water intake at one time let the smaller amounts keep flowing throughout the day in shorter intervals. Let your child adopt the lifestyle of frequent intake of water in shorter intervals.
- Allow some flavor or fizz
Around the scorching heat, allow your child to have an intake of fresh juices, flavored water or fizz. You may also add lemon, lime or orange slices to water to flavor them naturally.
- Increase water content foods
You may inculcate water-based food like tomatoes, cucumber slices, lettuce, watermelon, oranges, grapes, peaches and strawberries.
Add some fun tricks Finding a reusable straw, sipper or glass that your child gets excited to use can help encourage them to drink more water.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) below is a simple chart to guide you on how much water your kid should have.
These recommendations are set of generally healthy kids who live in a moderate climate, thus might not be exact for everyone.
Boys 4-8 years - 1.1 to 1.3 litres per day
Girls 4-8 years - 1.1 to 1.3 litres per day
Girls 9 -13 years - 1.3 to 1.5 litres per day.
Boys 9 - 13 years - 1.5 to 1.7 litres per day.
Many parents tend to avoid their kids having water before going to bed thinking kids may be up all night going to the washroom. A glass of water an hour before bedtime would in fact be used to replenish their organs and cells.
Try the above tips and do share with us on how your child has improved his/her water intake.
Happy Hydration!
With the beginning of summers and days where heat would peak higher children are more prone to dehydration especially when they’re physical activities like playing outdoor, exercising, etc are increased with lessened academic hours. By the time kids feel they are thirsty they are already on the verge of dehydration. We have some easy hydration tips for your kids.
- Let fluids keep flowing
Instead of having fixed times or setting durations throughout the day for large amounts of water intake at one time let the smaller amounts keep flowing throughout the day in shorter intervals. Let your child adopt the lifestyle of frequent intake of water in shorter intervals.
- Allow some flavor or fizz
Around the scorching heat, allow your child to have an intake of fresh juices, flavored water or fizz. You may also add lemon, lime or orange slices to water to flavor them naturally.
- Increase water content foods
You may inculcate water-based food like tomatoes, cucumber slices, lettuce, watermelon, oranges, grapes, peaches and strawberries.
Add some fun tricks Finding a reusable straw, sipper or glass that your child gets excited to use can help encourage them to drink more water.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) below is a simple chart to guide you on how much water your kid should have.
These recommendations are set of generally healthy kids who live in a moderate climate, thus might not be exact for everyone.
Boys 4-8 years - 1.1 to 1.3 litres per day
Girls 4-8 years - 1.1 to 1.3 litres per day
Girls 9 -13 years - 1.3 to 1.5 litres per day.
Boys 9 - 13 years - 1.5 to 1.7 litres per day.
Many parents tend to avoid their kids having water before going to bed thinking kids may be up all night going to the washroom. A glass of water an hour before bedtime would in fact be used to replenish their organs and cells.
Try the above tips and do share with us on how your child has improved his/her water intake.
Happy Hydration!