During the summer months, dehydration is a serious health risk. With temperatures at an all-time high, our bodies require more water intake than usual to support our internal organs. It can be difficult to encourage drinking water for young children. However, young children are at an especially high risk of dehydration, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors or are super active. Keep reading to learn more about how much water your children should be drinking during the summer and tips for keeping them hydrated all summer long. Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for health and wellness services for the whole family and rapid care for severe dehydration symptoms - all on a walk-in basis without the need to schedule an appointment.
How Much Water Should Your Child Be Drinking?
Ensuring that your child is drinking enough water is essential for their overall health and wellness. Dehydration can go unnoticed for a while but can cause issues like extreme fatigue, dizziness, and fussiness in children. In young children, dehydration can happen quickly and can be life-threatening.
It can be difficult to get your child to drink water throughout the day, however it is essential to their health. It is important to emphasize that juices, milk, and other drinks like sodas are not replacements for water. Your child’s exact needs may vary. Factors such as activity level and climate can affect how much water your child needs. Medical professionals recommend that children over the age of 1 should be drinking 8oz of water a day, with one cup added for every year they age. You should consult your child’s doctor for more specific advice regarding your child’s specific needs.
Signs of Dehydration in Children
Dehydration can occur quickly in children. It is important to know what mild dehydration symptoms look like, so that you can identify them early and treat them. Children lose more sweat than adults, meaning that dehydration can happen much quicker in young children.
Common signs of dehydration in children include:
- Fatigue
- Crankiness
- Urinating less
- Dry mouth or lips
- Lack of tears when crying
It can be difficult to identify signs of dehydration in children, even if you know what to look for. That is why it is important to take preventative measures and coordinate with your child’s healthcare provider to ensure that they are drinking enough throughout the day.
How to Keep Your Child Hydrated
It can be difficult to get your child to consume the recommended amount of water each day. Alternative beverages such as juices can actually cause further dehydration because of the amount of sugar and juice concentrates. If you struggle with keeping your child hydrated, try some of these tips:
- Offering water before food
- Diluting their favorite drinks with water
- Offering water in small amounts throughout the day
- Feeding them foods with high water content like celery and soups
Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for Same-Day Pediatric Care in West Long Branch, NJ
If your child is struggling with symptoms of dehydration during the summer, it is important to seek medical care. Dehydration in children can escalate quickly and cause serious health concerns. At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our team of board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide pediatric care for your children. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance, simply walk into the clinic - we have short wait times! We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for patients paying out of pocket. For more information, contact the clinic directly by calling (732) 222-8000.
