How to adopt the right method of hydration for your children?

1. The importance of hydration in children
   

Water is the origin of life, from birth the human body contains 75% water, this ratio decreases with age to reach 60% in adulthood. Due to the high water content in infants, a greater need for hydration is detected than in adults. Their body surface area to weight ratio is higher than that of adults, which increases cutaneous water loss, dehydration in infants can potentially lead to faster death compared to children or adults. These needs are provided by breast milk which contains a low renal osmotic load and covers the infant's water needs. In children, the growth process increases energy metabolism which also increases their water needs.

Many studies have shown that children's water consumption in France, but also in other countries, is generally lower than public health recommendations. Based on this information, it is essential to raise awareness among children about the importance of drinking before they are thirsty and to encourage them to drink small amounts of water throughout the day, in order to compensate for water losses; insufficient water intake can have repercussions on their cognitive abilities.

The two most common situations leading to severe dehydration in children are:

• Heat: in summer during high temperatures, children sweat much more than adults and lose a very large proportion of water in relation to their weight.
• A pathology such as acute infant diarrhea, an episode of gastroenteritis, vomiting.

How to spot the signs of dehydration? In the case of mild to moderate dehydration, we may find a child lethargic, apathetic, more irritable than usual.

Severe dehydration can lead to more serious symptoms such as drowsiness (difficulty waking the baby) and can even progress to loss of consciousness and coma.

In severe dehydration, oral rehydration solution in sachet form is the most commonly used solution containing sugar, sodium and potassium to replace lost electrolytes and facilitate the absorption of fluids through an isotonic solution.

Making water accessible to children in their daily environment, particularly at school and during physical activities, is a good way to encourage them to drink water regularly.

Recommendations regarding daily water intake vary depending on age; you can refer to the following table to find out the necessary water intake depending on age.

Age	Necessary water intake
0-6 months	100-190 mL/kg/day
6-12 months	800 to 1000 mL/day
1-2 years	1100 to 1200 mL/day
2-3 years	1300 mL/day
4-8 years	1600 mL/day
9-13 years old	2100 mL/day for boys 1900 mL/day girls
from 14 years old	2600 mL/day for boys 2000 mL/day for girls

2. Some tips to help your children drink throughout the day

Good eating habits are acquired early, as is the choice of drinks. Also, while it is appropriate to educate children to eat a balanced diet and to move, water consumption must also be encouraged, to maintain adequate hydration. To ensure good hydration, here are some tips to motivate children to drink throughout the day:

• Flavor water with mint leaves, strawberry slices, basil or mint leaves, cucumber or strawberry slices, or ice cubes made from pure fruit juice.
• Give a glass of water, milk or fortified soy beverage at mealtimes.
• Incorporate liquids into the diet, such as soups, stews and smoothies into children's menus, as these contain a lot of fluids.
• Increase plant intake : Fruits and vegetables also have a high water content; for example, include cucumber or watermelon with meals and snacks.
• ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) are preparations rich in bicarbonates, carbohydrates, mineral salts which allow the child to be quickly rehydrated in extreme cases.
• Make him drink more when the weather is hot or during physical exertion and serve him small amounts of liquid.
• Encourage him to drink small sips of water throughout the day.
• Serve liquids in a colored glass or water bottle.
• Throughout the day, provide your child with water often (e.g., a pitcher of water on the table or counter) and make sure it is in plain sight. Your child may be more likely to drink it if he or she is allowed to serve himself or herself.
• Have a water fountain in school areas and if possible at home.
• Drink water too, showing him that you like it.
• Offer your child fresh, flavored infusions (e.g. iced teas) . They are a good option for quenching thirst in a different way.
• Get your child a reusable water bottle or flask so they can drink on the go. Kids like to have their own things.

3. Hydratis for your children from 3 years old!

Hydratis is a French company specializing in the theme of body hydration, it offers rehydration solutions for the whole family.

Hydratis drink allows water to be absorbed more quickly and efficiently by the body while contributing to muscle recovery, reducing fatigue and combating cellular stress (symptomatic of periods of dehydration).

The Hydratis solution has the property of enriching your water with mineral salts, sodium and glucose as well as trace elements in order to create an ultra-hydrating drink. The effervescent tablets with multiple flavors are an easy and fun solution to ensure the hydration of your children. We also advise breastfeeding mothers to use Hydrastis tablets to promote their hydration after consulting a health professional (doctor or pharmacist).

Our pastilles are free of colorants, preservatives and natural flavors (Peach, Forest Fruits, Lemongrass Ginger, Mint, Anise and Neutral). You will find in our ranges a wide choice of products adapted to the needs of the whole family.