As summer temperatures continue to rise, it is important to ensure that children stay hydrated to avoid potential health risks. With heatwaves sweeping through areas such as China and the southwestern U.S., record-high overall temperatures have been recorded across the planet.
Dehydration can have serious consequences beyond simply feeling thirsty. Prolonged or severe dehydration can lead to heatstroke, urinary tract infections, kidney problems, seizures, and hypovolemic shock due to low blood volume. While some areas may not be experiencing extreme temperatures, the long days of summer vacation mean that children are spending more time outdoors engaging in physical activities, making it crucial to continuously ensure that they remain hydrated.
Water bottles have become a popular choice for kids to stay hydrated, but there are other ways to keep them hydrated as well. In the past, many of us may recall surviving the summer by occasionally having otter pops or sips from the garden hose. However, it has become more common to send our own children out with a water bottle. This shift in behavior can be attributed to several factors. Climate change has resulted in more high-temperature days, and the medical and dental communities now widely advocate for water consumption over juices and sodas due to their healthier qualities.
Dr. Jen Trachtenberg, a New York-based pediatrician, supports the shift towards water bottles and suggests that it may stem from children’s progression from bottles to sippy cups, which brings them both comfort and hydration.
In addition to encouraging water consumption, it is important for parents to be aware of the signs of dehydration in children. Babies and children are more susceptible to dehydration as their bodies contain more water. They are also more sensitive to heat and lose fluids more quickly due to their smaller bodies and higher metabolic rate. This, coupled with their limited ability to communicate, means that parents need to monitor their children’s water intake and be vigilant for signs of dehydration. Severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Signs of dehydration include thirst and darker urine. Well-hydrated individuals will have clear to pale-yellow urine, while medium-yellow urine suggests the need for more fluids. Amber-colored urine indicates dehydration. Infants may exhibit symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, fussiness, dry mouth, no tears when crying, and no wet diaper for three hours or more. Children may experience dizziness, headaches, tiredness, dry mouth, crankiness, decreased urination, constipation, and vomiting.
Parents should be particularly vigilant about these symptoms during hot weather, intense physical activity, or when their child has gastrointestinal illness with vomiting or diarrhea.
Drinking water is essential to remain hydrated, and electrolytes (minerals) are also crucial. Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, and chloride. While water is usually sufficient to restore hydration, in more severe cases, an electrolyte drink may alleviate symptoms. These drinks are available in liquid form, as powder to mix with water, and even in the form of popsicles. It is important to note that while we generally try to limit sodium intake in our diets, we do need some sodium to stay hydrated. Caffeine, which acts as a diuretic, should be avoided.
Additionally, the foods we consume can help keep us hydrated. Many fruits and vegetables contain water and provide numerous health benefits. Encouraging children to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, kiwis, cucumbers, and watermelon, can help keep them hydrated.
As summer temperatures continue to soar, it is essential for parents and caregivers to prioritize their children’s hydration to avoid the risk of dehydration-related health issues. By ensuring that children have access to water and other hydrating options, monitoring their fluid intake, and being aware of the signs of dehydration, we can help keep our kids safe and healthy during the summer months.