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What Helps Keep Kids Hydrated?

No matter what time of year it is, keeping kids hydrated should be a primary concern for parents. A fever can dehydrate a child. Active children who love to run, skateboard and ride bikes should be monitored for dehydration. There is much that a parent can do to push fluids without forcing a child to drink water. The grocery store is full of hydrating options for parents to choose.

  1. Hydrating Fluids

    • Water is a perfect hydrator, but kids often prefer flavored drinks like fruit juice or sports drinks like Gatorade. Medical City Children's Hospital of Dallas, in its May 2011 publication, recommends Gatorade for active children because it replaces electrolytes and contains less sugar. Also try giving your kids flavored water. Stay away from sodas and iced tea. According to the American Psychological Association's June 2001 publication, the caffeine in sodas and tea is a stimulant that children don't tolerate well. The Web, M.D. overview on caffeine states that caffeine is a diuretic which contributes to dehydration.

    Hydrating Foods

    • Foods containing a high volume of water, such as watermelon, cantaloupe and tomatoes, contain 70 to 95 percent water. So do strawberries, grapes, cucumbers, lettuce, celery and oranges. Pack orange wedges in a sealed plastic baggie in your child's lunch. You can do the same with honeydew melon and watermelon. Or you can include a container of mixed fruit in your child's lunchbox and extra lettuce on his sandwich. Even though a parent cannot be with his child at all times, he can still pack hydrating foods in his child's lunchbox.

    Hydrating Treats

    • Snow cones and frozen fruit punch are fun ways to keep kids hydrated. You can also put some yogurt, ice cubes and strawberries or your fruit of choice into a blender to make tangy, thirst-quenching slushy drinks. Sherbet also has a high-water content. Popsicles are always a good standby to have in your freezer for kids who don't want to drink enough water. There are also delicious fruit pops at your market. Or you can pour your slushy drink into Popsicle-type molds and freeze them for your children.

    Water Types

    • Tap water sometimes contains fluoride, which is essential for preventing cavities in children's teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Tap water is regulated by the Federal Safe Water Act, which contains requirements ensuring tap water remains safe to drink. Bottled water can be relatively expensive. If you reuse plastic bottles, make sure that they are adequately sterilized after each use.

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