Help Kids Say Hydrated During Summer Heat

We’re entering what’s typically the driest part of the year, which makes staying hydrated even more important.  Keeping kids hydrated is incredibly important, and sometimes difficult.  Kaiser Permanente Pediatrician Dr. Lisa Denike said what children drink is as important as how much.

“I think some families get into the mindset of giving their kids lots of sugar-containing liquids; so, lots of juices or punches or lemonade," she said.  "While a little bit of that is okay, really kids need water.”

A Fun Bottle Can Make A Big Difference

For the littlest kids, Dr. Denike said it's best to stick with milk.

“Particularly for infants, I think making sure they’re getting breast milk or formula, they don’t need a bunch of extra water," Denike said.  "School-aged kids, maybe the older toddlers, drinking water and having water freely available to them.”

She added consider giving toddlers and kids their own special water bottle, adding kids will often drink more when the container is fun.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com