In this wacky, wild world of parenting, there are few things more important than making sure your little ones stay hydrated. But with all the conflicting information out there about how much water kids should drink, it can be tough to know what's best for your child. That's where we come in - we've done the research and talked to some experts so you don't have to.
What Kind of Water is Best?
When it comes to quenching those tiny thirsts, not all water is created equal. So which kind should you give your kiddo? Here are a few options:
Tap Water
What could be simpler than turning on the faucet for a refreshing sip? Plus, depending on where you live, tap water may contain added fluoride that helps keep teeth healthy.
Bottled Water
Some parents prefer bottled water because they feel like it's cleaner or tastes better than what comes out of their taps. But did you know that many brands of bottled water are just repackaged tap water?
Filtered Water
If you're concerned about impurities or chemicals in your tap water but don't want to waste money on bottled stuff, try using a filter pitcher or attachment.
Pro tip: Did you know that sparkling mineral water isn't recommended for young children due to its high levels of acidity and minerals?
How Much Should They Drink?
Great question! Unfortunately, as with many aspects of parenting (and life), there isn't one definitive answer. However, here are some guidelines that most experts agree upon:
- For children ages 1-3: Aim for around 4 cups (32 ounces) per day.
- For children ages 4-8: Try to get them drinking at least 5 cups (40 ounces) daily.
- Tweens and up need between six to 8 cups of liquid daily.
Pro tip: Don't fret if your little one isn't hitting these exact numbers. As long as they seem happy and healthy, they're probably getting enough hydration.
Other Ways to Hydrate
It's not just about how much water your kid is drinking - other fluids can also help keep them hydrated. Here are a few examples:
Milk
Lucky for you busy parents out there, milk counts towards your little one's daily fluid intake! Cow's milk or soy milk contain vital nutrients that help build strong bones and teeth too.
Juices
Ok let’s get real here – when it comes down to it the vast majority of juices offered in grocery stores today don’t provide immense nutritional value for children compared with eating whole fruit as many lack fibre which aid digestion leaving just free-moving sugar into our bodies putting us at greater risk of tooth decay and child obesity. Despite this fact some Fruit juices do offer health benefits whilst keeping kids hydrated so choose carefully!
Soups & Broths
Um what? Yes! Next time Junior has a cold give them some soup because especially clear broths like chicken noodle are hydrating AF.
Pro-tip: Be cautious with sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks or energy drinks-they simply aren’t appropriate for young children under any circumstances.
Signs Your Little One Needs More Water
Sometimes kiddos can be tricky when it comes to communicating their needs (just ask anyone who's had a toddler meltdown over the wrong color cup) but luckily their bodies usually give pretty clear signals if they need more liquids.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- A dry mouth or tongue
- Crankiness or lethargy
- Dark yellow urine -- I know we’re on the subject of toddlers peeing now!
- Headaches
If you notice any of these symptoms, try offering your child some water to see if it helps.
Pro tip: Did you know that some fruits and veggies are naturally high in water? Try offering your kiddo celery sticks, cucumber slices or orange wedges as a healthy snack.
Hydration on the Go
Let's be real - life with little ones is often a flurry of activities and errands. Here are some tips for keeping your kiddo hydrated while out and about:
- Pack a water bottle: If your child has their own special sipper cup they may be more likely to drink from it.
- Offer liquids regularly: Don't wait until they're already thirsty – offer fluids throughout the day.
- Include hydration time-out cues: Like at set times say when arriving, resting, task completed etc
Pro-tip: It can be tempting to give kids sweet drinks like juice boxes or chocolate milks when you're on the go but these beverages just aren’t hydrating enough instead opt got fruits that have been sliced up beforehand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting our tiny human beings drunk sips of H2O is extremely important even if its not their favourite beverage enhanced by copious amounts of sugar so now we finally have conclusive parameters/ boundaries around how much exactly they should down each days complete with alternate options if /when toddlers get bored of guzzling water all-day anyhow!
You’ve also seen how fundamentally simple ways like encouraging children to pick fruits packed with wholesome nutrients that simultaneously help keep them hydrated too. Hopefully this quirky article makes our rascals'll stay cool in more ways than one lugging around bottles filled clear fluid! Stay Safe!