Although we need it for good health and energy and at the same time is fully accessible, water is a drink that rare number of people drink in necessary quantities. The same case is with children.
Have you ever asked yourself, does your child drink enough water?
According to some statistics, more than half of children living in developed countries do not drink enough water during the day, and the research is based on testing the urine of children and adolescents. Even one of four children do not drink water during the day showed the research conducted in the United States which is really shocking piece of information, especially if it is known that during the warm season is very easy to get dehydrated.
It is important to know that all children and adolescents do not dehydrate in the same way, and the data show that boys, as much as 76% drank less water than girls and often are on the verge of dehydration which is also an important fact.
While mild dehydration can't endanger health if children consistently do not drink enough water can lead to cognitive problems, headaches and even nausea in some severe cases. A mild form of dehydration in young children include nervousness, rarely urination, dry mouth, lack of tears when the baby cries. Experts say it's important that children learn to regularly drink water because it can help to achieve better grades in school.
How much water children need to drink?
Doctors recommend that children aged 1-3 years need about four cups (250 ml) of water a day, while children aged 4-8 years should drink five such cups of water. The moment when the child turns 9 years, the amount of water he need to drink varies according to gender. The boys aged 9-13 years should drink eight cups, while for girls the recommended amount of seven cups.
In children are not fully developed mechanism for thirst, and they are particularly vulnerable when they are thirsty or slightly dehydrated. Just like adults, kids do not only lose fluid by urinating, but also with sweating, with crying and with breathing and thus lost 60% of liquid during the day. Do not try to replace the water children using fresh juices or soft drinks, only come into consideration freshly squeezed vegetable juices and fruits without added sweeteners. The child still in school bag should have the bottle with water, and the same is the case with the activities, when going out with friends or in the park. Do not forget to remind children to drink enough water during the day.
