Hydration is essential for everybody, but it is more crucial for babies. Proper hydration in babies guarantees their normal body functioning, and growth, and supports development. Babies are more susceptible to dehydration because they are small in size and intake less fluid, as a result, they suffer from dehydration more than adults. In this blog, we will dive into the fact of how much hydration is important for babies and how you can ensure that your child stays hydrated.

What causes dehydration?

Some of the main causes of why children get dehydrated are,

• Due to severe diarrhea and vomiting
• During and after extreme physical activity
• When they are suffering from high fever
• When they take medicines like diuretics
• In case of illness, when they do not drink enough water
• In hot summers
• When they are aged 6 months or above

What Does Dehydration Do to Babies?

Dehydration can have instant and severe effects on the health of babies. Babies tend to lose fluid faster from their bodies compared to adults. As a result, even mild dehydration can have serious health effects on babies. Some of them are given below

• Irritation
• Dry skin
• Less urine
• No tears when crying
• Sunken eyes

If this issue is not taken into account, it can lead to serious life-threatening issues such as organ failure, and heatstroke. Parents must consider these symptoms and ensure that their baby remains hydrated all the time, especially in hot summers. Always remember, that hydration is the key aspect of children’s health. 

What Role Does Hydration Play in Child Development?

Hydration is as important to the baby’s growth and development as air. Water plays a lot of vital functions in the body such as, 

1. Temperature Regulation: Water regulates temperature and heat prevention in babies.
2. Brain Function: Water is crucial for cognitive development and proper concentration. 
3. Nutrient Absorption: Water helps transfer nutrients to the cells. 

It's important to stay hydrated for a child's development. Water supports a baby's immune system and aids digestion, ensuring proper physical development. Dehydration can impact a baby’s overall health and cause developmental delays. 

What Happens If a Child Does Not Drink Enough Water?

A baby's or young child's body may not function properly if they don't drink enough water. Dehydration may result in:

1. Fatigue: Dehydration can cause babies to become sluggish or slow.
2. Poor cognitive performance: A child's focus and attention span may be impacted by dehydration.
3. Constipation: A baby may have digestive issues if they don't drink enough water.

To avoid these problems, it is recommended that parents follow a hydration schedule for their baby to keep track of their daily fluid intake. 

Hydration Fluids for Children

Water is the best choice when it comes to keeping your baby hydrated. Water should not be given to infants less than six months old, though, since breast milk or formula provides them with all the necessary hydration. Water can be added in small amounts after six months. Additional liquids that can aid in hydration include:

1. Formula or breast milk: Primary sources of water for young children under a year old.
2. Oral rehydration solutions: Perfect for replacing lost fluids while unwell.
3. Dilute Fruit juices: After one year, diluted juices can be introduced occasionally. 

During the hot summers, how to keep kids hydrated in summer becomes the main issue. Providing your kid with fruits high in water content, such as cucumber or watermelon, will also assist regulate their fluid intake.

How Much Water Should My Child Drink?

The water requirement for the baby changes as the baby grows. Here are the general guidelines for the daily water intake of babies. 

• 1-3 years old: Total 4 cups a day.
• 4-8 years old: Total 5 cups a day.
• 9-13 years old: Total 5 to 6 cups a day.
• 14-18 years old: Total 6 to 8 cups a day.

Hydration Tips for Children

Give Water Regularly: Give your infant little water sips throughout the day rather than waiting for them to ask for it.

Food with More Hydration: Offer fruits having higher water content such as cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon. 

Make a note of it: If you're occupied, make a note to give your infant some water or another fluid every other hour.

Keep them cool: During the summer, watch out that your child doesn't become too hot. 

These hydration tips for children can guarantee your child's health, particularly in the summer.

Conclusion: Importance of Hydration for Kids’ Health

One of the most important things you can do to keep your babies healthy is to make sure they remain hydrated all the time. You can support your baby’s normal functioning, growth, and development and avoid serious complications like dehydration by ensuring that your kid gets enough water intake. Prioritize fluids, and follow an appropriate baby hydration schedule, to monitor your baby’s health during the early years. Moreover, if you are worried about your baby’s growth you can download the Bebambi app and keep track of their developmental milestones through our developmental chart.