BritMums recently invited a number of bloggers to engage in their #EnjoyMoreWater Challenge as part of the Robinsons campaign and come up with ways to to keep our children well hydrated over the warm summer months.

I decided to approach this assignment as a research, and was shocked by the number of things I did not know when it comes to hydration in children!

1.Children need more water per body mass during the day than adults because they move more than we do. The recommended daily intake for a child is 6-8 glasses of liquid per day but this need increases when the weather is hot! Children can be especially prone to dehydration since they are often active, easily distracted and forget to drink. By the time they say they are thirsty, dehydration has already begun. Irritability and poor concentration are two common indicators. My tip would be to ensure children always have easy access to a cool drink everywhere they are, be in in the back garden, the car or out and about.

2. Children grow at a faster pace in the summer versus the winter adding to their hydration needs which will be greater any way in hotter temperatures. Especially when away on holidays in hotter climates, children should always wear sun cream, sun hats and never be in the sunshine during the peak hours, between 11 and 17. My tip is to follow the locals’ lead when on holidays and make use of the wonderful fresh fruit available everywhere. Fruit contains not only vitamins and minerals essential for our health but summer fruit like watermelon and strawberries are rich in water and can keep the children hydrated naturally as well. Make sure children eat at least five small cups of fruits and vegetables per day, as they all contain various levels of water and the all-important nutrient potassium.

3. According to an article written for Live Science by Katherine Tallmadge, a registered dietitian, when exercising in extreme heat for more than an hour (which our children do unawares, when having fun in the sun, especially on holidays to warmer climates!),water intake needs to be supplemented by drinks which are high in potassium (like orange juice), to prevent high sodium losses. According to Doctor Tallmadge, dilute juices are a great option, as they allow the electrolytes and water to quickly reach your heart and organs.

Robinsons Squash’d drinks, in their new and very handy squeezy formula and with their two new exciting flavours, Orange&Peach and Lemon&Pink Grapefruit(my favourite!), fit the bill perfectly, even for taking away on holidays! We have received six samples which will definitely come with us to Greece this year and keep not only Emma, but also Alex and myself, well hydrated over our summer holidays.

Disclosure: This post is an entry for BritMums #EnjoyMoreWater Challenge, sponsored by Robinsons.