How to ensure hydration in your child

Try these ways to ensure hydration in your child

It is impossible to imagine life without water, and there are several reasons for that. From quenching your thirst and lubricating your joints to enabling smooth digestion, controlling body temperature and supporting sensitive tissues, water is essential for numerous bodily functions. Water is also crucial for healthy skin, hair, and mental and physical agility. So, if you are worried that your child is not drinking enough water, this article is for you. Read on to learn about how to make sure that your child stays well-hydrated at all times.

How to make sure your child is hydrated?

If your child takes frequent bathroom breaks or his nappies are often wet, then you can rest assured that he is getting enough water. However, watch out for some common signs of dehydration in toddlers:

• Feeling of thirst
• Poor concentration
• Headaches
• Chapped lips
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Lethargy
• Dark coloured urine

The quantity of water required by children depends on their age. For children under 8 years of age, the recommended quantity is 4-6 glasses of water every day. And for kids older than 8 years, 6-8 glasses of water are required.

As India is a tropical country, the quantity may vary slightly, especially during the summer season. Moreover, if the child is highly active and spends long hours playing outside, he needs more hydration.

A few tricks to make sure that your child is hydrated

1. It has been observed that children do not voluntarily demand water, and often, they do not even want to drink water. In such situations, you can add fruit slices like orange, kiwi or lemon, to the water, to enhance its taste.
2. You can also try giving them water in colourful and attractive cups, glasses or tumblers.
3. You must be a role model for your kids and drink a lot of water in front of them, so that they get the motivation to do the same.
4. During extreme summers, just add some ice cubes to the water, and in winters, give them slightly warm water.
5. Whenever you step out, make sure to keep a water bottle with you so that your child can drink from it at regular intervals.
6. Always encourage your child to drink water before and after playtime or any other physical activity.

More than just water

There are fluids apart from water that can help maintain the balance of nutrients and electrolytes in a child’s body. Some of them are:

Fruit juices: Fresh fruit juices contain vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial for your child’s health. Apart from providing nutrients, they are also very tasty.

Tender coconut water: Coconut water is full of nutritional value. It has around 17.4 calories per 100 g and minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and copper. It keeps the body cool and hydrated during summers.

Other drinks like buttermilk and lassi are also beneficial for your child’s body. However, make sure you don’t add sugar to these preparations. Try to naturally sweeten the drinks by adding chopped fruits or honey.

Try and avoid carbonated drinks which often contain artificial flavours, artificial colours, and preservatives. Or, you can regulate their consumption.

As children are super active, their body loses water throughout the day, through sweat, breath, and urine. That is why it is important to keep their bodies hydrated.