Smarter Mom: Keep Those Kids Watered!

[AmyKuras]

With record heat gripping most of the country, it's important to make sure your kids stay safe in the heat.  One of the biggest worries is dehydration...while healthy kids who eat and drink normally are unlikely to get seriously ill from it, even a little bit of minor dehydration can make these hot days even more unpleasant. Getting enough water helps your body regulate its temperature, and when you're sweating through your days you need to replenish that water more than usual.

Kids ages 4 to 8 need 1.3 liters of water a day...in other words, a little more than five cups. Older kids need a little more than two liters per day. That counts all sources of liquid, though, including from water-rich fruits and vegetables. Aim for a fruit and a veggie at every meal and snack and at least four cups a day and your child should stay well-hydrated.

It should be water they drink, too, not sugary juices, sports drinks, or soda. Naturally sweetened enhanced waters are OK in moderation (like Vitamin Water Zero or Sobe LifeWater). My kids like it if I add a splash of it to their regular water...it makes it taste good enough to go down easy. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or even a slice of cucumber is good too. And my daughter likes to eat ice, which both cools her down and gets water into her.

How do you keep your kids hydrated in the heat?

[lil_mama06]

Water,fruit and popcicles...Ice chewing can also be a sign of low iron...

[lizzig]

 it's hard to get mine to drink water while they are outside playing they don't want to stop long enough to do so.  my oldest is really bad about it.  she's made herself sick before by not drinking/eating enough.  they know that if they don't drink now though they don't get to stay outside & play.

[Godspitgrl]

Yes it is very important water is their only drink other than morning milk

[midnghtsprnkle]

hmmm hardly home, but one loves water so im sure she drinks it...lol

[malexander2009]

We add a dash of juice to DS's water for taste

[DixieL]

My son works outside in the heat. The store keeps gatorade on hand and they get as much of that they want for free. They also get water

[charlene_kyle]

 my kids love water and drink a ton of it in the summer.

[Flaca43]

Got my middle son a new water bottle since he lost his...he loves it so much he is drinking from it all the time, even at home.

[wandep]

We drink lots of water. We also recently started drinking crystal light. Well, my son and I. :)

[Luvmybooskies]

I take water with us every where we go and I make them drink it. Luckily they like water, so it's never an issue.