Stay cool, stay hydrated: Simple hydration tips every parent should know
Soon-to-be mum-of-three Elyse Knowles’ shares her family hydration tips for a healthy, fun summer.
With summer just around the corner, staying hydrated is more important than ever – especially for kids. Hydralyte ambassador and former star of The Block, Elyse Knowles knows firsthand how essential hydration is for her and her family.
“Looking after my health and wellbeing has always been so important to me. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and staying hydrated are all key to how I feel every day,” Elyse shares.
For Elyse, hydration isn’t just about self-care – it’s about keeping her whole family healthy and energised. “As a mum to two energetic little boys and soon to be mum to another baby, my days are chaos! With summer around the corner and lots of beach and park trips, hydration is always on my mind for my little family.”
She continues: “I recommend Hydralyte when it comes to staying hydrated. The Hydralyte Effervescent Electrolyte Tablets easily fit into your bag for convenient use any time of the day and Hydralyte Electrolyte Ice blocks are great for the kids to enjoy during the warmer weather.”
Dr. Taitz highlights the importance of staying ahead of dehydration, as it can happen fast, especially in toddlers and young kids.
“By the time symptoms appear, dehydration is often already well-established,” he says. To prevent this, Dr. Taitz advises parents to treat hydration with the same priority as sunscreen. “Have kids drink fluids before heading out to the beach, park, or picnic. Oral rehydration solutions, water, or juice in reusable bottles are great options to pack,” he adds.
Top signs of dehydration in kids
Dr. Taitz shares key signs of dehydration in kids every parent should know…
Reduced urine output:
One of the first signs of dehydration is less frequent toilet trips or fewer wet nappies in young children. If your child isn’t urinating as often as usual, it could be a sign their body is conserving water due to a lack of hydration.
Dark urine:
Another red flag is when a child’s urine becomes darker than usual. Dark urine is often a sign that the body is dehydrated and concentrating urine to retain as much fluid as possible. If you notice this, it’s crucial to get your child to drink more fluids immediately.
Dizziness or fainting:
In more severe cases, dehydration can lead to dizziness or fainting spells. This can occur when the body’s fluid levels drop too low, affecting blood circulation and causing a drop in blood pressure. If your child feels lightheaded, weak, or faint, seek medical attention right away, as this may indicate a more serious level of dehydration that requires urgent treatment.
How to keep kids hydrated
Make water fun
Kids are more likely to drink water if it’s exciting! Add slices of fruit like lemon, lime, or berries, or even a splash of juice to make water more colourful and appealing. You can even freeze the fruit into ice cubes for an extra fun twist.
Offer hydrating foods
Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and can help keep your kids hydrated. Offer refreshing snacks like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries. These foods are not only delicious but packed with water, vitamins, and nutrients to support hydration.
Hydrate with fruity solutions
Hydralyte’s fruity hydration solutions are a perfect way to keep your child hydrated on hot summer days. With a variety of fun flavours, including new Watermelon Flavoured Ice Blocks and Hydralyte Pineapple Breeze Flavoured Effervescent Electrolyte Tablets (available exclusively at Chemist Warehouse), hydration becomes a cool, tasty treat. These solutions provide electrolytes to help maintain fluid balance and are a great alternative to sugary drinks, especially when kids are playing outside or feeling extra thirsty.
Set a schedule
To keep hydration on track, set a schedule for regular water breaks throughout the day. Encourage them to take a drink before meals, after physical activities, or every hour during outdoor play.
Invest in a cool bottle
Kids are more likely to drink water when they have a bottle they love. Let your child pick a fun, reusable water bottle that reflects their personality. Having a bottle on hand at all times ensures they can easily access water when needed.
Lead by example
Children often mimic the behaviour of adults. If you’re consistently drinking water and making it a priority, your kids will be more inclined to do the same. Make it a family habit by all sitting down with your water bottles during meals or outdoor activities, showing them how important hydration is for everyone, not just them.
By making hydration fun, convenient, and consistent, you can help ensure that your kids stay refreshed and healthy all summer long.
By watching for dehydration signs and incorporating these tips, parents can help their kids stay safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy all that summer has to offer.
