Why are kids more prone to dehydration and how you can help?

by Caitlin Schott / Jul 16, 2020
Why are kids more prone to dehydration and how you can help?

Dehydration can happen to everyone, but the unfortunate truth is kids are more prone to dehydration. Why is that?

  1. Children have a higher body water to body weight percentage than adults
  2. Have fast metabolisms
  3. Higher body surface area to body mass ratio
  4. Depending on age, they may rely on adults for access

In order to support growth and child development, it is imperative that kids are adequately hydrated. In addition to dehydration, children, as well as pregnant women and the elderly, are also more susceptible to illnesses from contaminated water. They can have weaker immune systems and are more vulnerable to the effects that contamination can cause to their development. 

Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration 

There can be many signs of dehydration, but there are a few common signs that you may be able to spot with your child yourself:

  • Dry mouth/skin
  • Fatigue/Irritability 
  • Headaches
  • Low urine output and/or dark urine 

You can learn about more symptoms as well as the benefits of hydration here. 

 Healthy Hydration Habits for Kids

We want to provide healthy hydration habits that you can teach your kids to combat dehydration.

1. Teach the importance of water
Instilling the value and need of water at a young age will help the child to understand how essential water is for their health.  

2. Children learn by watching
It's critical that from an early age you not only teach your child the importance of water, but also set a good example yourself. Children naturally mimic and imitate adults' behavior.  

3. Encourage hydration
Verbally encouraging your child to drink more water guides children into healthy hydration habits. 

4. Make sure water is always available
Filtered tap water and filtered water bottles are easy ways you can make sure your children always have access to clean and safe drinking water. Shop Clearly Filtered water filtration products. 

 

References:

1. Mescape. Why Are Children More Susceptible to Dehydration Than Adults. https://www.medscape.com/answers/801012-76327/why-are-children-more-susceptible-to-dehydration-than-adults

2. Hydration for Health. Water Intake and Hydration Physiology During Childhood. https://www.hydrationforhealth.com/en/hydration-science/hydration-lab/water-intake-and-hydration-physiology-during-childhood/

3. AboutKidsHealth. Dehydration. 
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=776&language=english

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Water-Related Diseases and Contaminants in Public Water Systems. 
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/water_diseases.html

5. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. How to Keep Kids Hydrated. https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/how-keep-kids-hydrated