The Natural Hydration Council has published a new factsheet on early years hydration, endorsed by the British Dietetic Association. The guidelines recommend that water should be children’s primary source of fluid intake alongside milk. They also explain that:
Breastfed babies do not need additional drinks while they are exclusively breastfed; then after six months when weaning begins, water or infant formula can also be offered as a drink.
Bottle-fed infants can be offered cooled boiled water if they require extra fluid, and water can also be offered during the weaning period.
For younger children aged between two and three, around 0.9 litres per day of fluid should be provided. This is the equivalent of around four small glasses.
For older children aged between four and eight, the recommended intake is around 1.1 litres of fluid a day, or approximately five or six glasses.
Natural Hydration Council’s six top tips for hydrated children are:
1. Make sure children have some water to drink before they go to nursery, pre-school or out for the day.
2. Always have water available at mealtimes as this is an important time during the day when children will get their daily fluid intake.
3. Remind children to sip small amounts of water and often throughout the day.
4. Make water the beverage of choice for youngsters as it is calorie- and sugar-free.
5. Include some snacks with a high water content such as cucumber, melon or plain yoghurts in children’s lunch box or the adult’s day bag.
6. On hot days remind children to drink water often.
