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As an Arizona resident and dietitian, I (Megan) know how important it is to stay hydrated. However, young children don\u2019t seem to mind operating at full-speed in hot temperatures\u00a0–\u00a0and <\/em>they\u00a0can dehydrate faster than adults. It\u2019s especially important to make sure that\u00a0kids are drinking enough fluids, especially in hot weather. We want to share some favorite hacks that keep kids \u2013 and adults \u2013 hydrated all summer (and all year) long.<\/p>\n For babies\u00a0under 6 months of age<\/strong>, breast milk or formula will fulfill\u00a0all of their hydration needs,<\/em>\u00a0and additional water is not recommended (and can even be dangerous in large quantities). Breastfed babies should have at least 5-6 wet diapers and at least 6-12 feeds per day, depending on baby\u2019s age. Formula fed babies will usually drink at minimum 20-24 ounces per day after the newborn period. Hydrated babies have moist mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes, pale yellow urine, plenty of tears when crying, and no sunken soft spot. \u00a0<\/p>\n Babies 6 months and older<\/strong>\u00a0can have a 1-2 ounces of water per day, gradually increasing water intake toward their first birthday. Some physicians recommend 1-2 oz max a day at 6 months and 3-4 oz a day at 9 months. It is important to not displace breast milk or formula with water until baby is closer to 1, as baby\u2019s milk will remain their main source of nutrition\u00a0and\u00a0<\/em>hydration in infancy as their solid intake slowly increases. We recommend offering water in cups starting at 6 months, as this will help them learn to use a cup.\u00a0Click\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0to learn how to introduce cups to your 6+ month old.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hydration needs from the\u00a0American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a>\u00a0are below:<\/p>\n Your child will need extra fluid while playing outside in the heat, performing strenuous activity or while sick.\u00a0<\/p>\n Yes\u2026this might be a lot of fluid for your child.<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s a lot more than what many kids drink. Instead of focusing on a number,\u00a0watch your child.<\/strong>\u00a0Their urine should be pale yellow (unless taking B vitamins, perhaps as part of a multivitamin supplement), and they should not have a dry mouth. Watch for crankiness, headache, lethargy, dizziness and dry skin \u2013 all signs that your child is dehydrated. Call your pediatrician immediately if you\u2019re worried about your child\u2019s safety when it comes to their hydration.\u00a0<\/p>\n Don’t I just take their weight in pounds and divide it by\u00a02 to estimate their fluid needs?<\/strong><\/p>\n Nope!<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0That might be a decent estimate for adults, but it usually results in far too little fluid in kids. A thirty-pound 2-year-old would only need 15 ounces of water by this calculation, which is less than most babies drink in a day.<\/p>\n Water, milk, juice, and fluid from soup, veggies, fruit, and other high-fluid foods like popsicles all count toward your child\u2019s water intake. We don\u2019t recommend juice regularly unless indicated by your doctor for constipation, hydration issues or medical issues.\u00a0We recommend sticking to water (and milk, see below) as much as possible.<\/p>\n If your toddler drinks milk or milk alternatives, it is recommended to limit their intake to no more than 16-24 ounces (2-3 cups) per day \u2013 that leaves a need for at least 1-2 cups for water for a child that drinks milk.\u00a0<\/p>\n Try to offer water as the sole beverage besides milk and encourage free access to water throughout the day for all children 12 months and older.\u00a0 Offering at least 3 types of veggies and at least 2 fruits daily also helps to increase your child\u2019s water consumption, although we are fully aware that your toddler or\u00a0kid might not eat<\/a>\u00a0the food that is served!\u00a0<\/p>\n Below are some additional tips that might help your child drink more water:<\/p>\n Happy drinking (water, that is)!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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