Water intake is extremely important for both adults and children during these hot days when no more words are needed to emphasize the scorching heat. Recently, the importance of hydration has become so highlighted that smartphone applications reminding us to drink water have been released. Today, we will specifically talk about how young children can stay hydrated.

Hydration is Even More Essential During Growth

It's crucial to instill the habit of drinking water frequently from a young age. However, according to a survey on drinking habits among young children, 8 out of 10 children in Korea do not drink enough water. If a child is continually dehydrated, it can lead to dry skin, respiratory diseases, and even affect blood circulation, impairing brain activity. So, how should our children hydrate, and how much is enough?

Children require more water compared to adults relative to their body weight. This is because a significant amount of water is necessary for cell division and expansion during growth. In fact, water constitutes about 60% of an adult's body weight, but for children, it is as high as 70-80%. For example, an adult weighing 70kg should drink 2,000ml of water daily, which is just one-seventh of their total extracellular fluid (14,000ml). Meanwhile, a child weighing 7kg should drink 700ml of water daily, which is one-third of their total extracellular fluid (2,100ml). Thus, hydration is even more critical for growing children. Water helps with metabolism throughout the body, and a lack of it can cause headaches, decreased concentration, and memory loss. Especially in winter, children tend to drink less water, leading to increased constipation.

Check for Dehydration Through Urine Color

Young children often cannot express thirst, so checking urine color can help determine if they are properly hydrated. Urine color varies from colorless to yellow to dark yellow depending on the body's condition. Healthy children usually have pale yellow urine. If the diaper shows dark yellow urine, it signals dehydration. Conversely, if the urine is colorless, it means there's more than enough water in the body, which can disrupt sodium balance, causing vomiting or dizziness. If urine color doesn’t change despite adjusting water intake, visiting a doctor for an examination is recommended.

Encourage Regular Water Drinking with Favorite Water Bottles

The best way to ensure children drink enough water is to establish a water-drinking habit. Setting specific times for drinking water can be helpful. A glass of water every morning helps flush out toxins accumulated overnight, and drinking water 30 minutes before meals gives a sense of fullness, preventing overeating. Drinking water before bed is also beneficial for skin health and a good night's sleep. Additionally, placing a water bottle with their favorite character in a visible spot can encourage kids to drink water regularly. However, they shouldn’t drink too much at once; it's better to drink one glass per hour. Drinking too much water during meals can dilute stomach acid and hinder digestion.

Hydrate with Tea and Food Instead of Plain Water

Plain water might not be appealing to children because it has no taste or color. In such cases, offering tea instead of plain water is a good idea. Cool barley tea, for example, can be especially beneficial for children who tend to feel hot. Hydration can also come from foods, which naturally contain water. Fruits and vegetables have high water content, and fresh produce generally has more water than dried foods. Although some parents might give fruit juices or carbonated drinks if their child dislikes water, these should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Rehydrate Your Kids with 100% Organic Korean Barley Tea and Cassia Seed Tea!

We've highlighted the importance of hydration for children, just as much as it is for adults. So, where and how should your child rehydrate? Organic One offers a range of hydration products for infants and young children, including 100% Korean organic barley tea and cassia seed tea. We also provide ion drinks and sterilized water for children. This weekend, why not create a habit of drinking water along with enjoying swimming with Organic One? Organic One is always here to ensure your healthy summer!

<News Editor Ahn Ji-young>