7 Tips for Keeping Kids Hydrated During Summer

 Introduction

Kids want to explore the outside world, even in summer. Thus, they get dehydrated quickly. Our little ones know they are thirsty, but they won’t always say it. Neither would they remember to have a glass of water during their busy playing activities. Therefore, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure they remain well-hydrated at all times, especially in summer or while they are sick. Take a look at the below tips on how to keep children hydrated when sick or during the warmer months.

What is Dehydration?

Before looking at the best ways to keep our little champs hydrated, let’s understand what dehydration looks like in young kids. Dehydration occurs when the body loses too much water due to some viral illness or sweat. The dehydration caused by sickness is often characterized by fever, dryness in the mouth, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea. Children’s bodies comprise 60-70% water. If kids don’t rehydrate for a long time, they may start facing the following signs and symptoms:

•   Dryness in mouth
• Less urine
• Urine color becomes darker
• Crying without tears
• Fatigue
• Feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness
• Sleeping for longer periods

7 Ways to Keep Kids Hydrated?

Follow these simple pediatric dehydration guidelines and tricks to encourage your kids to drink enough water at regular intervals throughout the day.

1. Make it Fun and Interesting

Children who are a little older can start explaining about their illnesses or other discomfort in the body. Some kids have even said that water is boring. We cannot deny this fact because water, indeed, is flavorless. So, we have to make it interesting for the kids to motivate them to drink more water to prevent dehydration in children. Make water tasty by freezing some fruit juices or slices in ice cubes. Add them to their water bottle to make a tasty drink. You can choose your child’s favorite summer fruit and chop it into pitches to fit into the ice cube trays. You can even add bendy straws to add fun to it.

2. Make it Visible

Kids require attention all day long, especially the younger ones. Those who have just begun to speak may express when they need something by reaching out to objects or crying. So, make the water bottle or sippy cup visible and place them within their reach. Kids know when they are thirsty so they can reach the water container easily.

3. Give Water-Rich Snacks

Kids love fruit juices and popsicles, and water-rich fruits, including grapes, watermelon, and orange slices. Your kid will pause the game and jump in excitement after seeing a bowl of red watermelon wedges or vibrant and colorful popsicles.

4. Mandate Water Breaks

Children are often busy with their games and sports, so they often forget to rehydrate. Make it mandatory to have water breaks after every 30 minutes and also before and after the physical activity.

5. Get a Fun Sippy Water Bottle

Just like a beautiful food and beverage presentation looks appetizing for us, kids, too, love drinking from fun-filled water bottles. Get a reusable, child-friendly, and food-grade material sippy water bottle having their favorite animal printed or cartoon/movie characters printed. And keep things colorful and vibrant to invoke interest in your child.

6. Limit Caffeine

Caffeine and kids don’t mix well. Caffeine is a major cause of dehydration, as it compels them to pee more frequently. It causes more water loss, especially when it is not balanced with sufficient water intake. Therefore, it’s not good for kids to consume coffee, soda, green and black tea, energy drinks, etc.

7. Be an Inspiration

Have you ever noticed how your child repeats your actions? So, be an inspiration for them in good activities. If you want your children to drink lots of water throughout the day, start doing it yourself first. Make all the family members develop this positive habit to encourage your little champ to stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Summers can be tiresome. Therefore, kids need to stay healthy and hydrated at all times. Be a responsible parent and ensure they are drinking enough water throughout the day by following the above tricks on how to hydrate children quickly. Let them enjoy the summers!