To grow healthy and strong, your child needs to consume the right nutrients and get enough fluids. While you are taking care of the nutrition part, don't neglect helping your child learn to stay hydrated and choose fluid sources that are healthy options. When children are sick, knowing how to keep them hydrated is important, as dehydration can be hazardous.
Water
Water is the old standby, a calorie-free hydration source for your child. If your child does not like plain water, you can offer her diluted fruit juice. Try mixing 3 oz. to 4 oz. of juice with the same amount of water to get her accustomed to drinking water. You child should drink water during meals and with snacks, as well, to meet her hydration requirements. One method you can use to determine if she is getting enough water is to look at her urine -- the urine should be clear or yellow, not dark, which can indicate she is not drinking enough.
Water-Containing Foods
Beverages aren't the only things that contribute to your child's overall fluid intake. Many fruits and vegetables contain water and can help your child to stay hydrated. One method to incorporate these foods is to pack use foods high in water, such as watermelon, grapes or carrots, as a snack or to accompany a meal.
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks can have their place in helping your child stay hydrated if your child is very active or exercising in warm temperatures. This is because sports drinks contain electrolytes, which help to replace minerals like sodium and potassium. that can be lost while your child sweats. Because sports drinks contain calories, only give them to your child when he is engaging in prolonged physical activity. Children weighing 88 lbs. should drink 5 oz. of sports drink every 20 minutes during physical activity, while those weighing more than 132 lbs. should drink 9 oz. of water every 20 minutes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Hydration Solutions
In addition to sports drinks, hydration solutions that contain water and salts can help to reduce dehydration, particularly if your child has been vomiting or has diarrhea. Examples of these electrolyte-containing beverages include Pedialyte, Infalyte and ReVital, according to BabyCenter. If your child has symptoms like sunken eyes, parched mouth, dark urine or seems lethargic, rehydration solutions may be necessary.
Drinks to Avoid
Some liquids are more hydrating than others. Texas Children's Hospital recommends avoiding giving your child fruit juices that are not 100 percent juice, sodas, caffeinated drinks and carbonated beverages. These drinks can have dehydrating effects on your child's body.
