Ensuring that children receive adequate daily fluids is crucial. Just like adults, water is essential for children. Their brain, heart, lungs, skin, and even bones rely on water to function effectively. Additionally, water helps regulate body temperature, aids digestion, removes waste, prevents constipation, and performs other vital functions.
Keep in mind that water should be the primary source of your child’s fluid intake, especially during warmer months. Toddlers should have about 100-120 ml of water per day. In extremely hot weather or after physical activities, they may need more water. Encourage your child to drink water at least every 20 minutes when it’s hot outside or if they are active and sweating heavily.
Despite the obvious benefits of staying hydrated, some children are reluctant to drink water. Reasons for this can vary, from disliking the taste to not wanting to interrupt playtime. Regardless of their reasons, it can be a source of frustration. But don’t worry! Read on for helpful tips on how to ensure your child stays properly hydrated every day.
1. Always have a water bottle on hand
Carry water bottles with you when you leave the house. Offer your child a drink from the water bottle during quiet times, such as screen time or car rides.
2. Lead by example
Children are more likely to drink water if they see their parents doing it frequently. Set a good example by staying hydrated yourself.
3. Mix water with fruit
If your child dislikes the taste of plain water, add some fruit to enhance the flavor. Squeeze a slice of lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit into the water, or add fresh or frozen berries, cucumber slices, or mint for a refreshing twist.
4. Include hydrating foods
Water doesn’t have to be consumed only in liquid form. Juicy fruits like watermelon and strawberries can help keep your child hydrated. Vegetables like cucumbers, broccoli, celery, and lettuce can also contribute to hydration as they have high water content.
These hydrated meals offer that extra boost of hydration with a great combination of vitamins, minerals, and even fiber. If your kids consume water not only through drinking water but also from fruit and vegetables, their level of hydration may fluctuate throughout the day.
Not only food, but you can also take care of your little one hydration level by offering them hydrating snacks. Treat your child to hydrating snacks like homemade popsicles made from fruit puree or unsweetened fruit juice. Freeze them and let your child enjoy them, this is the perfect healthy snack, especially for the summer. Also, make sure your child avoids caffeinated beverages and sodas, as they can contribute to dehydration by increasing fluid loss!
5. Let them choose their drinking supplies
Allowing your child to choose a cute water bottle can motivate them to keep it close and drink more frequently. To purchase a cute water bottle for your child, you can visit Temu’s shopping site, one of the current most popular e-commerce sites who can ship their products around the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and 6 major countries in Europe.
Shopping online through Temu helps you shop with your little one in the comfort of your home! Give them several options for the water bottle and ask them which one they want to purchase. The anticipation of waiting for the water bottle to arrive will help add more to the excitement. Having something cute on hand- especially something they choose on their own – will help improve your children’s hydration level!
Follow the tips above to ensure a constant supply of water and hydrating foods throughout the day, especially during the summer when additional fluids are necessary for your little one’s well-being. Don’t wait for your child to express thirst before offering water. It’s important to make hydration a regular part of the routine.
