Water is the best drink to quench a thirst, especially for busy little preschoolers and toddlers.
Water is healthy
Not only is it refreshing, it is also good for your child as it contains no sugars and so doesn’t damage their teeth.
The flouride in tap water, helps to develop strong teeth and bones.
Whilst fruit juices are often seen as a healthier choice because they contain vitamin C, there is a large amount of sugar and kilojoules in fruit juice. A 250ml cup of frunit juice can contain up to 6 teaspoons of sugar.
According to HealthyKids.nsw.gov.au ….
Researchers found that children aged between 4 and 12 years who drank 500ml or more of fruit juice or cordial per day were twice as likely to be overweight or obese as children who consumed none.
How much water should your child drink?
So, how much water should your child be drinking?
The recommended daily amount of water to drink is :
- Baby – babies can actually consume too much water and this can be life threatening so it’s always best to consult your paediatrician as to how much water is best for your baby. From about a year they can have up to 1 cup of water a day.
- Toddler – 2 to 4 glasses
- Preschooler – 4 glasses
- Child age 5 to 8 years – 5 glasses
- Child age 9 to 12 years – 7 glasses
- Teenagers 13+ years – 8 to 10 glasses
We don’t always feel thirsty when our bodies need fluid, so it’s recommended to drink water regularly throughout the day.
You should also offer your child more water if they are exercising or on a hot day.
How to get your child to drink more water
We are lucky that Hamish loves water and chooses it over most drinks as a first option but my other children were not as easy to give water to.
For me the first way is to lead by example. If your child sees you drinking more water or choosing water as a first option to quench your thirst, they are likely to do the same.
Pack a water bottle for each outing and offer that first. In summer it’s nice to freeze your water bottle at night if you are taking it with the next day, that way it thaws and stays nice and cold throughout the day.
Keep cold water in the fridge and accessible to your child, like in a fun water dispenser in the kitchen.
Use smaller glasses when offering fruit juices or cordials or water down any juice.
