How to keep kids hydrated, healthy, and happy all summer long
Summer is here, which means it’s time to get outdoors! As the weather heats up, it’s especially important to remind your little ones to drink lots of water and protect them from the sun. Whether you’re planning a family beach day, a walk to the park, or a summer vacation, keeping your little ones comfortable and healthy is crucial while enjoying time outdoors. To help your little ones feel their best this summer, we put together a list of our favorite tips on how to keep kids hydrated, healthy, and happy all summer long.
Stay hydrated
It can be difficult to know how much water kids actually need in order to stay hydrated in hot weather. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies only need about 4-8 ounces of water per day due to the hydration they get from breast milk. However, once kids reach one to three years old they need around 4 cups per day. Once they’re about four to eight years old, this goes up to 5 cups, and beyond eight they will need 7-8 cups.
Keep in mind that every child is different and every day is, too. Their true needs depend on what else they drink that day, their activity level, the heat, and humidity. To measure their intake, we suggest filling a water bottle or pitcher with their recommended water requirement for the day and pouring from it or having them sip on it all day long.
Keeping cool
Because children are more susceptible to overheating than adults, it’s important to keep them comfortable throughout the day. Finding shady areas to relax is crucial for managing body temperature while outside. Summer also offers ideal opportunities for them to engage in water games and activities suitable for their age. Dipping in water is a great way to keep them cool while they’re having fun! It can be as simple as lounging in a kiddie pool or playing with a hose and sprinklers in your own backyard.
Ensuring the safest summer for kids also means replenishing vital nutrients and minerals. Our favorite way? Frozen treats! We suggest making your own natural fruit popsicles and enjoying them together. Popsicles are not only a fun treat for your kids, they also help keep them hydrated, nourished, and keeps their bodies cool, too. Invite your kids to get creative and make smoothie popsicles together. Some of the most hydrating fruits include watermelon, cantaloupe, coconut, strawberries, apples, mango, pineapple, and cucumbers—but of course you can make it your own with any produce you have on hand!
Be prepared
Plan your outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon if you can to avoid peak sun exposure. Scheduling your outdoor adventures during cooler times of day is an easy way to protect your kids from overheating. Also keep in mind that what you dress them in matters. Dressing your kids in lightweight, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton can help keep them cool.
Check the UV index before a trip outdoors so you can pack accordingly. A hat and sunscreen are important sun protectants to have on hand for when your little ones are playing in direct sun. Because kids have sensitive skin, remember to reapply their sunscreen every couple of hours, or when they get wet or sweaty. Make sure your sunscreen is waterproof and has an SPF of at least 30 for maximum sun protection.
When you’re out and about, we always recommend bringing your Doona Car Seat & Stroller or Liki Trike along so you can use the SPF 50+ canopy protection anytime your little one needs a rest in the shade. Our Sunshade Extension is also the perfect accessory for long days in the sun, as it shields your baby from the sun’s rays while still providing ventilation and airflow. If you’re looking for more accessories to help you stay cool this summer, we’ve got you covered!
We hope these tips help you safely navigate warm days playing outdoors with your little ones. At Doona, we’re always trying our very best to make parenting simpler for every family. Which is also why we’ve created our innovative and revolutionary Doona Car Seat & Stroller which transforms from a car seat to a stroller in the click of a button; and Liki Trike — the most compact folding toddler trike on the market that grows alongside toddlers with five modes of use.
