In our Northeast Florida practice area, the summer temperatures are already upon us. For our 24/7 Pediatric Care Centers patients, it’s a time for fun play activities – camping, sports, beach and biking. It’s also a time when parents need to be especially vigilant for kids overheating and becoming dehydrated.
Signs of Dehydration
Some children naturally know to reach for their water cup when thirsty. Others will only take a sip or two when prodded by parents or care-givers. General guidelines for young children to teens are to have water or a diluted juice with each meal and with two snacks a day. During periods of vigorous physical activity, they should take a break and have a drink at 15-minute intervals.
Children who are dehydrated may exhibit these symptoms:
- Dry mouth
- No tears when crying
- Lack of urination or dark yellow urine
- Sunken eyes
- Fatigue, dizziness or marked irritability
The best way to avoid dehydration in children is to encourage them to drink regularly. Use these tips to help making drinks more attractive to them.
Best Thirst Quenchers
Water is the best thirst quencher, but many children resist water, preferring to have soda or a juice box. Start good habits early by offering babies and toddlers water to drink between meals. Avoid sodas and other sugary drinks like iced tea. Understand that 100% fruit juice is loaded with sugar and should be well diluted with water or sodium-free seltzer.
Try these tips to entice your children to hydrate with water and healthy treats:
- Keep a sippy cup or reusable bottle of water within reach and visible to children throughout the day.
- Keep a pitcher of chilled water that children can reach themselves in the refrigerator.
- Add chilled slices of fruit like orange slices or berries to add color and interest to water.
- Freeze water or diluted juice into fun shapes with novelty freezer trays and add them to drinking water.
- Add homemade juice ice blocks to drinking water.
- Offer homemade popsicles like these on hot days. http://www.superhealthykids.com/strawberry-watermelon-kiwi-popsicles/
- Set a good example! Let them see you choose water as your preferred drink.