Water for the Win

Water for the Win

Water will always be the best option for kids to drink. But did you know more than 1 in 5 kids and teens don’t drink any water during the day?


Why water?

  • Drinking water promotes the movement and absorption of important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the body and keeps joints healthy.
  • Staying hydrated can improve memory and attention and prevent negative moods, low energy, and lack of focus in kids and teens.
  • Drinking water instead of sugary drinks can help prevent cavities and conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

How much water should kids drink?

You may remember hearing “drink 8 cups of water a day” as a point of reference. While this is true, how much water you should drink in a day also depends on how active you are and environmental conditions like heat and humidity. Kids over 8 years old and adults should drink at least 8 cups a day or more. For kids under 8, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends: 

  • Introducing water at 6 months: 4-8 ounces/day
  • 1-3 years old: 4 cups/day
  • 4-8 years old: 5 cups/day 

How can I tell if my kids are dehydrated?

Here are some signs of dehydration. Teach your kids about these signs too so they can spot them and ask for a drink of water!

  • Cramps 
  • Flushed skin 
  • Dry lips/sticky mouth
  • Lightheadedness/dizziness
  • Headache
  • Urinating less/dark yellow urine

What are ways to help kids drink more water?

Here are a few tips:

  • Make sure water is readily available and always have it as an option at meals and when kids are thirsty 
  • Pack a water bottle if you’re headed out for an activity or errands
  • Encourage your kids pick a special cup or bottle to drink water from
  • Add a little flavor by dropping in fresh fruit
  • Drink water regularly yourself to model it for your kids

Water will always be the #1 drink for kids. But we also know the reality is kids are going to want something else too every once in a while, and that’s where we can come in. PLEZi is not intended to replace water, but to be the next best option with less sugar and more fiber than many kids’ drinks - and water is actually our first ingredient!  

 

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