Thanks to fellow Mompreneur Ellen Briggs, Founder/President of Family Food Experts, home of the Kid Kritics Approved Seal, for this guest post.  So well-timed, with summer heat increasing, here are some guidelines and great tips for how to drink lots of water, and even, how to infuse taste in a quick & healthy way.

School is out, kids are home, playing in the pool, parks, beach, yard and more. Besides lots of sunscreen, it is so important to stay well hydrated. How much water should a child drink? There is no clear-cut answer to that question.  It’s important they are never thirsty, since that is a reaction that comes as a signal from the brain, which usually means the body has already been deprived of adequate fluids for a little while.

Everyone, especially kids, should keep a water bottle handy at all times. When they are playing in the pool or the beach, it is even more important to drink water every 30-45 minutes at least. When playing in the sun and sweating they will need some electrolyte replacement. But don’t feel like you have to offer the conventional sports drinks that come loaded with sugar, artificial dyes and other additives. Water can still be the main source of hydration, and they can get electrolytes from fruits! Pack orange slices, watermelon, strawberries, honeydew melon and of course bananas. Also, don’t forget nature’s “electrolyte replacement”: coconut water. It is a perfect balance of electrolytes, natural sugar and water which will quench thirst in the best kind of way. When looking to purchase coconut water make sure they list only coconut water as the ingredient. They should come packed in a tetra pack container which avoids the need for preservatives and is BPA free.

The same advices goes for when children (or adults) unfortunately come down with an illness like fevers or diarrhea requiring extra fluids. Use coconut water or diluted juice before using sports drinks.

To make water more fun to drink all summer, try fruit infused water. Simply add a couple of your favorite fruit slices, such as orange and lime to a water pitch and leave it in the fridge to enjoy throughout the day.

How much water to drink per day? As much as your body needs not to feel thirsty! Usually 8 to 10 glasses of water per day

  1. Keep water bottle with you at all times! Take water bottles to camp, gym, park, beach and field trips.
  2. Exercising and sweating? You don’t need sports drinks full of artificial ingredients! Try coconut water, water infused with fruits, or just drink water and replace your electrolytes by eating fruits such as oranges, bananas and apples.
  3. Ready to try coconut water! Make sure to purchase one with only one ingredient: coconut water. Packaged in BPA free containers. For best taste, serve cold.
  4. Got the stomach bug? For water and electrolytes replacements when down with an illness, also think of coconut water or just plain water infused with fruits.