50-75% of your body is water, so it’s important to drink plenty and keep yourself hydrated! Not drinking enough water/fluids can lead to dehydration.

Children are at a greater risk of dehydration than adults. This is because in relation to their size, children have a larger proportion of their skin available to lose sweat and be exposed to heat. Also, children don’t always recognise that they’re thirsty, and if they’re not encouraged and reminded may forget to drink. Luckily, there are a few ways to tell if your child is hydrated.

You should aim to drink 4-6 drinks if you’re aged under 8 years old, or 6-8 drinks a day if you’re 8 and older. Remember, you may need to drink more if you’re more active or it’s a hot day!

For younger children from 12 months:

  • Water and milk count as healthy fluids.
  • Around 6-8 cups (100-150ml per cup) daily is recommended
  • Offer at all meal and drink times and freely available in between
  • Children will obtain fluid from foods such as soups and yoghurts
  • Teas, coffee and energy drinks are not recommended
  • Fruit juice and smoothies also count towards a child’s fluid consumption but they contain free sugars, so limit these drinks to a combined total of 150ml per day and at mealtimes only

Useful Links

 

Drinks and cups for babies and young children

British Nutrition Foundation – Hydration

BDA The Association of British Dietitians – Fluid 

Drugs & Alcohol | Mental Health | Guide For Parents | YoungMinds

If you would like to have a printed copy of the information above, please use this link

Information
Menu