In the hot summer season, keeping your little ones properly hydrated is no less than a challenge for parents or caregivers. Infants and toddlers are more prone to dehydration due to their higher body water content and lower ability to regulate body temperature. Ensuring the young children get enough fluids recommended by the best Nutritionist in Dubai can help them stay healthy and happy during the hot months.
Let’s explore some of the essential summer hydration tips for infants and toddlers that every parent should keep in mind.
Why Hydration Is Important For Little Children?
Water plays a vital role in everyone’s body, especially children, including regulating temperature, maintaining organ function, and transporting nutrients. For infants and toddlers, staying hydrated is essential for their overall health and development.
Dehydration in young children can lead to concerning health issues such as heat exhaustion, urinary tract infections, and heatstroke (in severe cases). Consulting with a Pediatric Nutritionist in Dubai to follow recommended practices for your child’s hydration and other essential needs for healthy development.
Signs Of Dehydration In Children
Signs of dehydration in children include dry mouth and lips, few tears when crying, decreased urination (fewer wet diapers or dark yellow urine), irritability, lack of energy and unusual drowsiness, and sunken eyes. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult with a Pediatrician in Dubai immediately.
Nutritionist Recommended Hydration Tips For Infants
- a) Breast Milk and Formula
For infants under six months, breast milk provides all the hydration they need. Mothers should try their best to breastfeed the newborn baby more frequently during hot weather. In case your child takes formula milk, ensure you prepare it as directed by a Nutrition Doctor in Dubai and offer it more often if needed.
- b) Introducing Sufficient Water
Once your baby reaches six months, you can start offering small amounts of water. Use a sippy cup and encourage the little one to drink water between feedings. Always stick to water and milk while avoiding juices for infants under one year. Juice can lead to tooth decay in little children and does not hydrate as effectively as water or milk.
- c) Keep Them Cool
Parents and caregivers should try to keep their infants indoors during the hottest part of the day. Dress them in light and breathable clothing to prevent overheating.
Nutritionist Recommended Hydration Tips for Toddlers
- a) Encourage Regular Water Intake
Parents and caregivers should give your toddler their own water bottle or cup to encourage drinking throughout the day. Always keep reminding them to take sips of water regularly, especially during playtime.
- b) Offer Hydrating Foods
Offer water-rich fruits and vegetables recommended by the best Dietician in Dubai like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries. These snacks hydrate the little children and also provide essential vitamins and minerals. Also add foods with high water content into their diet, such as yogurt and smoothies.
- c) Limit Sugary Drinks
Limit or avoid sugary drinks like soda and sweetened juices for your child, as these contribute to dehydration and are not healthy options. If you’re considering offering juice to an older child, dilute it with water to reduce sugar content. You should consult with the best Nutritionist in Dubai for an ideal drink option for your child other than regular water during the summers.
- d) Make Hydration Fun
Use fun, colorful drinking bottles/cups and straws to make drinking water more appealing for your child. Allow your toddler to help choose their water bottle or cup to feel them involved and encourage them to drink more.
- e) Hydrate During Activities
Ensure your toddler drinks water before, during, and after outdoor activities. Swimming can mask the signs of sweating, so ask your child to drink water even if they don’t feel thirsty.
How To Protect Your Child From Dehydration?
Protecting your child from dehydration involves several strategies, including water intake before and during play, offering water-rich snacks like watermelon, and making drinking water fun.
What Should My Child Be Drinking?
For infants up to 6 months, only breastmilk or formula is needed for children. From 6 months to 1 year, water and milk are sufficient while avoiding fruit juice and sugary drinks.
Toddlers (1-3 years) should remain hydrated and rely mainly on water and low-fat milk. Children aged 4-6 may have 4-6 ounces of fruit juice daily, and those 7 years or older no more than 8 ounces, with water being the primary drink.
When To Seek Help From The Best Nutritionist in Dubai?
While mild dehydration in little children can often be managed at home, severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention at a pediatric hospital. To prevent dehydration and ensure proper hydration in children, consulting with the best Nutritionist in Dubai is essential. The professionals and experts can provide valuable advice on food options with hydration and which ones to avoid.
- a) If your little one shows severe dehydration signs such as a very dry mouth, darker eyes, or no tears while crying.
- b) If your child is unable to drink fluids and is facing vomiting, diarrhea, or similar conditions.
- c) If your child is showing certain signs of confusion or unresponsiveness.
Final Word
Thus, keeping infants and toddlers hydrated during the summer is vital for their health and well-being. By recognizing potential signs of dehydration in young children, providing ample fluids as recommended by the best Nutritionists in Dubai, and including water-rich foods in their diet, you can ensure appropriate hydration for your little one.
Always remember to adjust their liquid intake based on their activity level and the weather, and always seek help from the specialists at newborn care in Dubai if you notice severe signs of dehydration. With the above shared tips and recommendations, you can ensure your child enjoys a safe, hydrated, healthy, and fun-filled summer.
How Does myPediaclinic Support Your Child’s Health And Hydration?
At myPediaclinic, the best pediatric clinic and newborn care in Dubai, we understand the unique needs of children and are dedicated to providing top-notch pediatric care. Our team of experienced Nutritionists, Dietician, and Pediatricians in Dubai is equipped to address a wide range of health concerns for newborns, infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. We offer comprehensive hydration assessments and guidance, ensuring your child stays healthy and well-hydrated, especially during the scorching summer months. Our clinic provides personalized advice personalized to your child’s specific needs, including diet recommendations, hydration strategies, and tips for maintaining overall wellness.
In addition to nutrition and medical care, myPediaclinic is committed to educating parents and guardians on the best practices for keeping their children healthy. Our resources and consultation sessions with specialists cover various topics, such as proper hydration, nutrition, and general pediatric health. With a child-friendly atmosphere and a focus on preventative care, myPediaclinic can be your partner in ensuring your child thrives both physically and emotionally.
Book an appointment with myPediaclinic today and make informed decisions about their child’s dental, oral, and medical care.
