Being a kid is a wonderful experience, with plenty of time outdoors, playing games, running around and enjoying physical activities. However, kids don’t always think about staying hydrated, so it’s a good idea to educate them about the need to replenish their fluids throughout the day. Here are five ways to help your kids stay hydrated, so they can fully enjoy their active lives.
Why Good Hydration Is So Important For Kids
Children enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities with gusto and can often become sweaty and dehydrated. Of course, kids don’t recognize when they are dehydrated. The human body is 70% water, and children’s regulation of temperature is less efficient than adults. They often wait until they are thirsty before they drink fluids, and thirst is not a good indicator of hydration levels. Signs of dehydration include headache, cracked lips, fatigue and dark urine. Keeping water or other fluids on hand for children can help them stay well hydrated throughout the day, no matter how active they are.
Portable Water Bottles
Kids imitate their parents, and if you are paying attention to your hydration during the day, so will your child. If reducing the amount of plastic is important to you and your family, you can find a great number of portable water bottles on the market. Some of these are insulated, so you can chill the water for cool refreshment and better taste throughout the day.
Fruit
Fruit is a good source of additional fluid to help stay hydrated during the day. Many fruits are very portable and can be enjoyed during the day without a mess. Oranges, berries, apples and other fruits provide both energy and hydration for active kids.
Water Flavored with Fruit Juice
If your child doesn’t enjoy the taste of plain water, you can add flavor by infusing it with a tiny bit of fruit juice. Orange, lemon, lime, pineapple and any other kinds of juice can provide just enough flavor to make the water more palatable. Vegetables like cucumber added to water can make a refreshing drink to hydrate kids’ bodies after activities.
Sports Drinks
Your local supermarket offers a number of sports drinks that not only add fluid for hydration but also electrolytes that are often depleted during vigorous activity. Look for drinks that offer sugar-free versions. You can also dilute these drinks with plain water if your child prefers a less concentrated taste.
Popsicles
Popsicles are a fun day to deliver extra fluid to kids during their busy activities. You can find a number of sugar-free options at your local supermarket or make your own, experimenting with various flavors. You can even add bits of fruit to add a boost in nutrition. Popsicle molds are available at a number of stores.
Make A Habit of Good Hydration
If you train your child to think about replacing fluids during the day, you will find that they will easily pick up the habit and take the time to drink more liquids throughout the day. In this way, your child will learn healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
