As you prepare for the upcoming school year, here are some tips to help you…
During these hot summer months, it’s important for your Raleigh preschool aged children to stay hydrated. They are at a risk for dehydration if they rely only on thirst as a reminder to take a drink.
The recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is to drink at least 5 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes if your kids are being active outside. To keep them hydrated, they should drink even if they do not feel thirsty, and continue to consume fluids even after their thirst is quenched. Frequent breaks from strenuous activity are suggested as well.
The best drinks to keep your toddler hydrated is water and drinks that contain electrolytes. Children may enjoy juice, fruit drinks, or soda, but they aren’t as beneficial since they won’t replace the electrolytes they’ve lost. Sports drinks such as Gatorade do have electrolytes, but also a higher concentration of sugar than options such as Pedialyte, Infalyte, and ReVital. Kids may also enjoy ice cubes or popsicles as a way to stay hydrated.
Outside sports and activities should be planned in the early morning or late afternoon so you can avoid the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 12 and 4 p.m. When you're not at home, spend your midday hours in an air-conditioned location, such as movies, libraries, or museums.
Symptoms of Dehydration in Children
Increasing thirst is only one indicator of dehydration for preschoolers. Other signs that can indicate a toddler is dehydrated are:
- Having a lack of energy or being lethargic
- Being irritable
- Become dizzy easily or feeling faint
- Having a dry mouth or tongue
- Crying without producing tears
For mild dehydration, give your children small sips of fluids on a regular basis. Electrolyte rich drinks or clear soup are good choices to help them rehydrate. Be sure to have your child continue to drink extra fluids over the next two days since fluid replacement can take more than 24 hours. Consult your pediatrician as needed to avoid complications and ensure your child is treated properly.
For additional tips on keeping your child hydrated, visit https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/dehydration-in-children-treatment.
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