How to Prevent Dehydration in Kids by Offering Fluids

As parents we all know the importance of feeding our children well. We make sure that we offer them a variety of healthy and nutritious foods each day to keep them energized and growing strong. The fluids we serve are just as important as the foods. Without enough fluids a child is not as healthy as they could be. Dehydration can occur.

A dehydrated child is pale, and listless. They do not pass urine as frequently, and when they do it is much more concentrated than it should be. The eyes of a dehydrated child are often sunken in. The child may act irritably, and be very tired. All of these are common symptoms of dehydration.

Adults know to drink 8 eight ounce glasses of water per day. The reason why is because your body needs to water to aid in digestion, and for the organs to fully and properly function. Children should be drinking at least 8 six ounce glasses per day to stay hydrated and to prevent dehydration.

Water is naturally delicious. It is refreshing, and thirst quenching. By the time a person or child feels thirsty their body is already low on fluids. The thirst feeling is the body's way of letting you know that it needs more fluids ASAP. If these fluids are not received the body displays the symptoms of dehydration.

Children need to be offered drinks regularly. If you wait until your child asks you may risk your child becoming dehydrated. It's up to parents to make sure a drink is always available. Keep a plastic cup of fresh water at your child's spot at the table at all times. They'll take drinks from it often. Refill it several times per day. Keep a metal note on how many cups they've consumed so that you can make sure that their fluid needs are being met.

Water is the best hydration option. However it is not the only one. Juices are good for hydrating too. Even milk is a hydrator. The fluids that are not going to help hydrate your child are the ones like soda and iced tea. Anything that contains a lot of sugar or caffeine will not hydrate, but rather help to dehydrate your child. Kids really shouldn't be served these anyway. Fruit juices offer nutrition along with hydration, as does milk.

Hydrating sports drinks are not the way to go for little ones. Yes, they promise to hydrate and keep you hydrated. Do theyreally though? Yes, for adults. Sports drinks do hydrate but they also contain ingredients that are just not good for kids. Many schools refuse to sell Gatorade and others because of this. These should never be used when a child is ill either. Some parents think that offering sports drinks will re-hydrate their children and help after vomiting or diarrhea but they will actually do more harm than good. In times of illness only pedialite should be used. Otherwise stick to water, fruit juice and milk.

Dehydration can be prevented by offering children 8 six ounce servings of fluids per day. Try not to offer soda or other drinks containing caffeine. Avoid sports drinks which have ingredients that are not good for kids. Milk, juice and water are the way to go. Keep your child's cup filled and they will take drinks from it. Thanks for reading and take care!