Pure, clean water (maybe with some added sea salt or electrolytes) is the cornerstone of good health, providing essential hydration that our bodies need to function properly. While adults often recognize the importance of staying hydrated, it’s easy to overlook that children need just as much water, if not more, relative to their size and weight. Ensuring proper hydration is especially crucial during the summer months or times of illness when the risk of dehydration is higher.
Water plays a vital role in nearly every bodily function. It helps regulate body temperature, transports nutrients, removes waste, and keeps our joints lubricated. For children, staying hydrated is particularly important because they are more susceptible to dehydration than adults.
During illness, such as the notorious Norovirus, or in hot weather and during strenuous activities, the amount of water needed increases significantly. Dehydration can quickly set in, leading to a host of physical and cognitive symptoms. It’s essential to ensure that children are drinking enough water throughout the day, not just when they feel thirsty. By the time they ask for a drink, they may already be experiencing mild dehydration.
Even minor dehydration can cause a range of symptoms that can be troubling for children, especially when they need to focus and stay on task at school. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Babies and Infants
– Fewer wet diapers (less than six per day)
– No tears when crying
– Sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the head
– Dry mouth and tongue
– Listlessness or irritability
– Dark yellow urine
Older Children and Adults
– Dry mouth and throat
– Fatigue and dizziness
– Decreased urine output or dark yellow urine
– Dry, cool skin
– Headaches and muscle cramps
– Irritability and confusion
– Rapid heartbeat and breathing
Studies have shown that dehydration can negatively impact cognitive function, mood, and physical performance. This can be particularly challenging for children who need to maintain concentration and energy levels throughout the day.
Children often rely on adults to provide them with drinks or remind them to drink. Here are some tips to encourage them to drink more water:
1. Make it Fun : Add fresh fruits like lemon, strawberries, or cucumber to their water for added flavor. This can make drinking water more enjoyable for kids.
2. Use Electrolytes : In times of increased need, such as during illness or hot weather, consider adding a pinch of good quality sea salt to their water for added electrolytes. This can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat.
3. Avoid Sugary Drinks : Steer clear of sports drinks that are full of added sugars, artificial colors, and flavors. These can do more harm than good by contributing to unnecessary sugar intake.
4. Create a Routine ⏰: Encourage children to sip water throughout the day rather than waiting until they are thirsty. Make water easily accessible by keeping a water bottle with them at all times.
5. Set a Good Example : Children are more likely to develop good hydration habits if they see their parents and caregivers drinking water regularly.
As parents and caregivers, it’s crucial to be proactive about our children’s hydration. Encourage regular water breaks, especially during playtime, and pack water bottles for school and outings. If your child is unwell, monitor their fluid intake closely and seek medical advice if you notice any signs of dehydration.
Remember, dehydration is not just a physical issue—it can significantly affect a child’s mental and emotional well-being. Ensuring they stay hydrated helps them feel their best and perform well in all activities, from school to play.
While encouraging regular water intake is vital, there are times when professional advice is necessary. If you have any concerns about your child’s hydration, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s healthcare provider. For our patients at Well-Rooted Pediatrics, we have a nurse on call 24/7 for urgent questions. Simply give us a call at 815-322-9300 and follow the prompts. In emergency situations, always call 911.
Hydration is a fundamental aspect of health for everyone, but especially for our children. By staying vigilant and encouraging good hydration habits, we can help our kids stay healthy, happy, and ready to take on the world. So, as you enjoy the summer sun and all the activities it brings, remember to drink up and keep those water bottles filled!
Jessica, since we started seeing you I loved how you’ve always fought for our daughter’s. You’ve seen us thru some scary times but ALWAYS place our daughter’s first and that’s why when you moved we decided to follow you. You’re awesome and my daughter’s don’t trust anyone else but you. Continue doing you Jessica, you’re awesome!
We love Well-Rooted Pediatrics. On every visit I feel like Jessica listens to my concerns and cares about my opinions on things regarding my kids. She looks at the whole child and treats the body from the inside out while still knowing there’s a time and place for medicine. With this approach I absolutely trust her and the care she provides for my four kids. Highly recommend, your family will love her too!!
Where do I begin????? I’m going to begin by telling you all a little back history about how I found this Diamond. I went through the wringer with my toddler since the day she was born. Doctors under the sun couldn’t give me anything but short answers, I paid so much money for better care and I was tossed around with questions and no answers. My baby was in need of somebody to just examine her properly and no matter how hard I looked it seemed impossible. that was in the past, until Jessica welcomed us with open arms, found the problem and continues to bless us with answers to our concerns by addressing them in a way that nobody ever has. We have seen major improvements in our daughter by following everything Jessica says, if you got to this page, I highly reccomend her. My daughter has seen so many doctors, been poked and pronged so many times that she doesn’t even like to be seen anymore. Trauma. But Jessica is patient, and kind. And she will find a way to get them to like her. My kid smiled for her and that was enough for me. And our kids have the same exact birthday, which felt like another sign to me!
Through our office visit, never once did I feel rushed or nervous. She never judged us for our choices as parents, and she always led us into a better path. Because of Jessica our daughter has a chance at a positive life with a promising future and I could not be more happy to have found her. This woman knows her stuff and she actually cares about people. I’ve never met someone in the medica field that I trust more than I trust her. I don’t know what I would do without her, I feel so grateful and I literally cried after our first visit when she gave us answers… and that’s how much I got out of her visit. Happy tears!!! Please don’t ever leave Jessica!!!Thank you Jessica.
Fantastic personalized care you won’t find anywhere else. Staff is amazing! Providers are helpful, informative and respond quickly. So glad I found this place and I won’t take my kids anywhere else. It’s a 50 mile drive and more than worth it!
We are new patients at Well-Rooted. We were greeted by the friendly receptionist who answered all our questions. Even though it’s a temporary location, it was very well organized and clean. We saw Allison for our visit. She was knowledgeable, friendly and took the time to listen and answer any of our questions. She put our children at ease and made the appointment very easy. We are so grateful for this pediatric office and look forward to building a relationship with the staff!
