Hydration tips for young children - post

Why is hydration so important for young children?

Water helps the body do many jobs, like:

• keeping the body temperature normal (especially #outdoors)
• helping digestion and preventing constipation
• keeping energy and mood steady
• supporting attention and learning 

The tricky part is that young children may not notice thirst until they are already low on fluids—especially when they are busy playing.

How much should young children drink each day (by age)?

There is no perfect number for every child. Needs change based on #weather, activity, and #health. But these simple daily ranges can guide you:

• Infants (under 12 months): small amounts of water only after about 6 months, and usually just 4–8 ounces per day up to age 1 (most fluids come from breastmilk or formula). 
• Toddlers (1–3 years): about 4 cups of fluids per day (this includes water and milk). 
• Young children (4–8 years): about 5 cups of fluids per day. 

Tip: “Fluids” include water, milk, and other drinks. Water is still the best choice most of the time. 

What are the best drinks for hydration in child care?

For children aged 0–5, experts recommend keeping drinks simple:

• Water
• Plain milk

These choices support #healthy growth and help children avoid added sugar. 

Drinks to limit (or avoid in child care whenever possible):

• Sugary drinks (soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks)
• Sweetened flavored milks
• Juice given all day (even 100% juice can add a lot of sugar and calories)

A good rule for programs: make water the “first choice” drink, and serve milk with meals when appropriate.

What are easy hydration routines you can use every day?

Children drink more when it becomes part of the schedule. Try building water breaks into predictable times:

• Arrival: “Water first—then play!”
• Before and after outdoor time
• Before meals and snacks
• After active play (dancing, running, #playground)
• Before nap/rest time
• After waking up

Quick classroom tips:

• Keep a water station where children can see it
• Use small cups for children who get overwhelmed by big cups
• Teach one routine phrase: “Sip, sip, hooray!” (kids love repetition) 

How can you encourage kids who “forget” to drink?

Some children do not like stopping play. Help hydration feel fun and normal:

• Model it: Let children see adults drink water, too
• Use reminders: “Two sips, then back to blocks!”
• Offer choices: “Do you want your blue cup or red cup?”
• Make it social: “Let’s all take a water break together.”
• Track with a simple goal: “We drink water after every outside time.”

For children who resist water:

• Offer cold water (some prefer it)
• Offer room-temperature water (some prefer it)
• Try a different cup (straw cup, open cup, or small bottle)
• Add fruit aroma without sugar (like serving water near sliced oranges—no need to add anything into the water)

What hydration tips work best by age?

Different ages need different support.

What helps infants (0–12 months) stay hydrated #safely?

• Breastmilk or formula provides most fluids.
• After about 6 months, small sips of water can be offered (often with meals), but infants still only need a small amount daily. 
• Watch diapers: fewer wet diapers can be a warning sign.

Important safety note: Talk with families about feeding routines and follow program policies.

What helps #toddlers (1–3 years) drink enough?

Toddlers want control. Use independence to your advantage:

• let them carry a labeled water bottle (if allowed)
• offer water in short, frequent breaks
• give simple choices: “Water now or after you put the puzzle away?” 

Toddlers also do better with short #language:

• “Water break.” 
• “Sip first.”
• “Body needs water.”

What helps #preschoolers (3–5 years) build healthy habits?

Preschoolers love jobs and routines:

• Assign a “water helper” to remind the class
• make a simple picture chart: play → water → play
• connect water to how bodies feel: “Water helps your brain and muscles work!”

What are signs of dehydration in young children?

Dehydration can happen faster in children than adults. Watch for:

• dry mouth or dry lips
• fewer wet diapers or less urine
• dark yellow urine
• tiredness or low energy
• dizziness
• no tears when crying (in some cases)

HealthyChildren.org lists warning signs and advises contacting a pediatrician if signs #develop. (HealthyChildren.org)

If a child seems unwell:

• move them to a cool, quiet area
• offer small sips of water (or follow your illness policy)
• notify the family based on your program’s rules
• seek medical help if symptoms are severe or getting worse (HealthyChildren.org)

How do you handle hydration during hot weather and #outdoor-play?

Hot weather + active play = higher risk for dehydration. Plan ahead:

• offer water before going outside (not only after)
• Take water outside and offer it often,
• add extra shaded rest breaks,
• watch for over #heating (flushed face, heavy sweating, weakness)

This #free ChildCareEd resource is a great reminder tool for #staff and families: Heat Safety Posters. All Agers. Health.

You can also connect hydration to water play safety. This ChildCareEd article includes a reminder to keep drinking water available and stay hydrated during water activities: Water Safety

Which ChildCareEd courses can help you support healthy hydration and nutrition?

If you want deeper training for staff (and more confidence when talking with families), these ChildCareEd courses fit this topic well:

• Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers: 
• CDA Infants/Toddlers: Smart Nutrition & Feeding: 
• Wellness in Action: Teaching Healthy Habits to Children: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-wellness-in-action-teaching-healthy-habits-to-children-4038.html 

Where can you get more tips and follow ChildCareEd?

For quick classroom ideas, seasonal safety reminders, and training updates, follow ChildCareEd here: https://linktr.ee/childcareed