By: Dr. Camille Range, MPH, RDN Read Time: 2 minutes

Water will always be the best option for kids to drink. But did you know more than 1 in 5 kids and teens don’t drink any water during the day?


Why water?

  • Drinking water promotes the movement and absorption of important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the body and keeps joints healthy.
  • Staying hydrated can improve memory and attention and prevent negative moods, low energy, and lack of focus in kids and teens.
  • Drinking water instead of sugary drinks can help prevent cavities and conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.


How much water should kids drink?

You may remember hearing “drink 8 cups of water a day” as a point of reference. While this is true, how much water you should drink in a day also depends on how active you are and environmental conditions like heat and humidity. Kids over 8 years old and adults should drink at least 8 cups a day or more. For kids under 8, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends: 

  • Introducing water at 6 months: 4-8 ounces/day
  • 1-3 years old: 4 cups/day
  • 4-8 years old: 5 cups/day 


How can I tell if my kids are dehydrated?

Here are some signs of dehydration. Teach your kids about these signs too so they can spot them and ask for a drink of water!

  • Cramps 
  • Flushed skin 
  • Dry lips/sticky mouth
  • Lightheadedness/dizziness
  • Headache
  • Urinating less/dark yellow urine


What are ways to help kids drink more water?

Here are a few tips:

  • Make sure water is readily available and always have it as an option at meals and when kids are thirsty 
  • Pack a water bottle if you’re headed out for an activity or errands
  • Encourage your kids pick a special cup or bottle to drink water from
  • Add a little flavor by dropping in fresh fruit
  • Drink water regularly yourself to model it for your kids

Water will always be the #1 drink for kids. But we also know the reality is kids are going to want something else too every once in a while, and that’s where we can come in. PLEZi is not intended to replace water – it’s intended to replace sugary drinks that don’t support kids’ health.

How do you keep yourself and your kids hydrated? We’d love to hear your tips. DM us at @plezinutrition.

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