With summer approaching and temperatures on the rise, ensuring children stay properly hydrated is a key concern for parents and early years professionals. Whilst battling with a child to get them to drink enough fluids isn’t fun, there are plenty of fun ways to make hydration easier. eyworks is highlighting expert-backed guidance to help support healthy hydration habits during warmer months.
According to guidelines, children aged 2 to 3 should consume around 1.3 litres of fluid per day, with 1 litre coming from drinks. As they grow, their needs increase: children aged between 4 to 8 require up to 1.6 litres of fluid, with 1.3 litres coming from drinks. Research has shown that young children are not drinking as much water as they should.
Recent data from the Liq.in7 study reveals that UK children are falling significantly short of recommended fluid intakes, with girls aged 4 to 9 drinking just 434 ml of water per day, and boys only 529 ml, less than half of the ideal amount.
Alarmingly, a UK survey also found that only 6.1% of children aged 11–12 drank water in the morning or sipped it throughout the day, highlighting a widespread lack of hydration during school hours, which can impact both well-being and concentration.
Spotting the signs of dehydration
When it comes to hydration, it’s important to know what to look out for. Young children are more prone to dehydration due to their smaller body size and high activity levels. Common signs include:
- Dry lips and mouth
- Tiredness or irritability
- Fewer wet nappies than usual
- Dizziness or confusion in more severe cases
Creative hydration hacks to keep children engaged
Helping children stay hydrated doesn’t have to be a chore. Below are some fun and practical strategies that nurseries and parents can adopt to encourage regular fluid intake:
Infused water magic
Add slices of fruit like strawberries, oranges, or cucumber to jugs of water for added flavour. Let children choose and mix the ingredients to create their own “hydration recipe,” turning water breaks into a fun, sensory activity.
Iced hydration
Create homemade ice lollies using diluted fruit juice or pureed fruit with water. These refreshing treats double as hydration boosters and fun snacks. Use moulds in playful shapes and get children involved in the process for extra excitement.
Personalised water bottles
Allow children to decorate their own water bottles with stickers, names, or colourful wraps. When children feel ownership over their bottle, they’re more likely to use it regularly. Choose easy-to-use lids or built-in straws to encourage independence.
Themed water stations
Transform water dispensers into jungle oases or underwater adventures. Rotating themes keep things fresh and inviting, encouraging children to explore and hydrate regularly.
Hydration timers
Use visual or musical cues every hour to prompt collective water breaks. Structured routines help build habits and ensure children are drinking throughout the day.
Story time with a sip
Pair regular story times with short water breaks – take a sip before turning each page or starting a new chapter. This simple routine turns hydration into a relaxing group moment.
Water and snack pairing
Always accompany snacks with a small drink. Pairing water with crackers, fruit, or sandwiches reinforces hydration as part of normal eating behaviour.
Tim Taylor from eyworks said, “hydration isn’t just a health need, it’s a habit that can be learned and loved. With the right support, tools, and a little creativity, we can help children thrive through the summer months and beyond.”