6 Ideas For Keeping Kids Hydrated In The Summertime Heat

As hot as the summer sun is, keeping kids hydrated has to be a parent's main priority just ahead of sunscreen

. According to Parents magazine, children become dehydrated much more quickly than adults. Their bodies actually produce more heat and they lose a lot of water when they sweat. They're more interested in having fun and running around so paying attention to keep kids cool and well hydrated is important. Keep your kids cool and well watered this summer with these easy tips:

1. Always Bring Water - Fill up reusable water bottles before you head out on a day trip or head out to the park to play. It may be possible to buy water there or there may be a water fountain but that's not always the case so be prepared.

2. Avoid Going Outside During the Hottest Times of the Day - If you want to take your kids out to the park, try to do so in morning or in the early evening, after things have cooled down slightly. The risk of becoming dehydrated is greater in the mid-afternoon, when the sun is at its hottest.

3. Schedule Regular Water Breaks - According to Kids Health, the average child needs a drink of water every 20 minutes when she is exercising or playing a sport. Kids should drink about 5 to 9 ounces of water every time they take a break depending on their age and weight. Have your child take a drink even if she claims she is not thirsty.

4. Add Some Flavor - While some kids really don't have a problem with how water tastes, others prefer some kind of fruit flavor in theirs. You can add a slice of lemon or lime to the water for a hint of flavor. Other options are to serve fruit juice diluted with water so the kids get the flavor without having to worry about all those calories. During sports and other strenuous activity, it's fine to give your child sports drinks to keep her hydrated.

5. Skip the Caffeine - Even though ice tea and sodas can technically keep the kids hydrated, they usually contain caffeine which can actually increase dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it causes the body to lose water. It also masks symptoms of dehydration.

6. Think of Fruit - Some fruits and vegetables have a high water content and help to keep your kids hydrated. If they're not interested in water, have them eat fruits such as cantaloupe, oranges or watermelon instead. Watermelon, for example, has a water content of over 90 percent.

Finding ways to make sure keeping kids hydrated this summer doesn't have to be challenging. Get your kids used to drinking water regularly and you may soon find that you do not need to remind them that it's time to take a drink.

by: Bianca Bowman

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