Getting your children to drink enough water can seem like a daunting task. Between activities, school, and play it can be hard to monitor the amount of water that is being consumed throughout the day.
Drinking enough water can be hard enough for adults, let alone children, which is why HydroJug has made it our goal to make drinking water easy and convenient for everyone. We created bottles that are the perfect size for children and for the adults who have been craving something smaller than a half gallon. HydroJug’s vibrant colors and patterns might just be the perfect thing to help make drinking water for you and your child exciting and fun.
Why Hydration Matters for Kids
Water is extremely important for your child’s development. It plays a role in nearly every system of the body. According to Dr. Janine Rethy, Chief of Community Pediatrics at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, water and milk are the two most important drinks you can give your children because both support healthy development.
Water supports:
- Joint function
- Blood circulation
- Temperature regulation
- Weight balance
- Overall energy levels
Even mild dehydration can affect mood, focus, and energy, especially during school or sports.
How Much Water Should My Child Drink?
You may be wondering, how much water should my child be drinking each day? Well, the amount will vary depending on a few factors:
- Age
- Activity level
- Weather
- Overall health
A good rule of thumb is to have them drink about 8 oz of water for every year old they are. However, this amount should max out at 64 oz to avoid over-hydration.
Keep in mind that water needs increase during hot weather and physical activity.
Signs Your Child May Be Dehydrated
There are a few signs and symptoms that you can look for to see if your child is properly hydrated. If your child is exhibiting any of the following symptoms it could mean they are dehydrated.
- Overly sleepy
- Dry lips or sticky mouth
- Dark urine
- Irritable
- Flushed skin
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Feeling excessively hot or cold
How to Help Your Child Drink More Water
Your children may not always want to drink water. Most of us (adults and children alike) might prefer the taste of juice or soda instead, but we have listed some ideas that will not only help your child drink more water, but that will make the experience more fun for them.
Buy a fun water bottle such as kids HydroJug.
Having a personal bottle makes hydration feel special. Many children drink more when they have something that feels like it’s “theirs.” HydroJug now offers a dedicated Kids Collection designed with smaller hands in mind. These bottles are lightweight, durable, and easy to sip from, making them ideal for school, sports, and everyday use. A built-in straw lid makes drinking simple and mess-free, which removes one more barrier to regular hydration.
Always have water available for them.
There is a theory that if you always have water around, you will be more likely to drink more water. This holds true for kids as well. Sending them to school or practice with a full water bottle will ensure that they have water with them throughout the day. We love the kids Traveler and kids Sport bottle because they come in vibrant colors and patterns that they are going to love to show off and carrying with them at school.
Try adding fruit or flavoring to their water.
Your children may find the added taste of fruit more appealing than just plain water. Infusing the water or adding frozen fruit instead of ice will enhance the flavor of your child’s water and will make it taste sweeter! There are also many types of flavoring you can add to encourage them to drink more.
Lead by example.
Children learn a lot by observing their parents. If you show them that you are drinking water, they will see that they should be drinking water too. This will not only help your child drink more water, but it will hold you accountable to drinking more water as well.
Try to incorporate some of these ideas into your child’s routine and don’t be afraid to have fun with it!