Benefits of Hydration

Hydration is very important for children as the body is mainly made up of water. Being dehydrated can affect mental and sporting performance reducing children's ability to give 100% during activities. Ensuring children stay hydrated ensures that they maintain high levels of concentration and helps them make decisions quickly. It also enables them to stay cooler whilst exercising and perform to their optimum level.

Whilst water is the ideal drink for hydration, it is recognised that not all children like to drink water. Giving them flavoured water is a perfect alternative. This provides the same hydration benefits, whilst offering children a more appealing flavour. Other fluids, such as weakly diluted squash also help maintain optimum hydration.

Children's hydration in summer, particularly outdoors on hot days is key. Whilst children are enjoying themselves they are unlikely to come in for drink breaks, meaning they are in danger of becoming dehydrated. Signs to look out for are dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes, greyish skin, sunken soft spot on infant's head, and reduced urination. You should ensure that children are given a drink to take out with them when playing. It's important that drinks are regularly topped up and you should encourage breaks from playing. Also remember that a lot of foods can also have a high water content, so providing children with fruit snacks or ice lollies can add to their water intake.