(And how to actually get them to enough drink water!)

For most kids, summer (and pretty much every other time of the year) is all about being out, having fun and days packed full of activities. Especially during the warmer months, it’s easy for kids to get dehydrated—that’s why it’s so important to ensure that they are drinking enough water and staying hydrated. Water also plays a crucial role in supporting their immune systems, flushing out toxins and regulating their body temperature.

H20 Provided an Energy Boost

Water plays an essential role in the functioning of the body. On average, children up to the age of 18 are around 50-60% water. When the little ones aren’t properly hydrated, they can easily begin to lose steam and tire easily. Water helps to provide children with the energy they need for the day and prevents them from getting dehydrated.

Prevents Dehydration

Our bodies are constantly losing water through digestion, exhalation and sweat. Since children are always on the move, it’s important to make sure they replenish their water levels and keep hydrated throughout the day.

How can you tell if your children are dehydrated? A great and super simple way to check how hydrated your little one is to keep track of how often they use the bathroom and the colour of their urine.

(I know, not one of the most glamorous parts of parenthood … but it works!)

Helps improve concentration

When children are even 3% dehydrated, their ability to focus and general cognitive abilities decrease substantially. Several studies have shown that dehydration impairs our brain’s ability to concentrate and also has a negative impact upon our short-term memory. This is why it’s essential to ensure that your child is properly hydrated—enhance their brain power keep them ready to learn and develop new skills!

Aids healthy digestion

 Parents/ carers…or any other living beings out there for that matter—did you know that dehydration can lead to constipation and other digestive issues? Not many people do. Water is essential in helping the digestive system break down food and absorb all of the goodies. Without enough water and hydration, the stomach can become too acidic which can lead to tummy aches and discomfort.

 Not so fun for you or the little ones.

Supports the immune system

Our immune system majorly depends upon water to help flush out toxins. A fluid known as a ‘lymph’ relies upon water in order to get rid of any harmful bacteria in our bodies. With the correct amount of water and hydration, children’s bodies are given a much better opportunity to stay healthy and strong.

Regulates body temperature

When kids’ bodies get too hot, they sweat—which of course means they lose bodily fluid. The water that our cells store help to protect the body from sudden temperature changes by absorbing the heat in our body and releasing it. This is particularly important when the little ones are out during the warmer summer months, but also day to day when they are keeping busy.

Now onto the potentially harder part!

How to help kids drink more water

If you are lucky, you may be looking after a child who loves to drink water! But, if not, don’t worry—you are not alone! So, what can you do?

Lead by example

One of the best ways to encourage the little ones to drink more water is to lead by example. The more water children see you drinking, the more likely they will be to develop the same healthy habit. Any time that you feel thirsty, tired or zoned out, try to hydrate. Each time you do, also offer some to your child so you can both stay healthy and hydrated together!

Always have water available

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s always worth bearing in mind. When you always have water available for the kids to drink, they are more likely to do so. Our 350ml bottles are the perfect size for the little ones on the go. We also now have handles available for the whole family which are great for when you’re out and about. Filling your Hapi bottles with water from home is not only cost effective, but also much better for you and the children’s health as well as the environment instead of buying a single-use plastic one.

Make it fun

Fun, bright coloured bottles are a great way to encourage your children to drink more water. We have a range of colourful, easy-to use bottles that are perfect to keep your little ones hydrated throughout the day. Silly straws and fun-shaped ice cubes are also a great and super fun way to help keep the kids nourished. They will want to bring their cool water bottles with them everywhere which means they’ll be more inclined to stay hydrated!