THE BEST SOLUTION FOR DEHYDRATION IN KIDS

Let's face it, as adults, we have a hard time remembering to stay hydrated. We can't expect our kids to remember to drink fluids when they're outside playing on a hot summer day. It's our job to make sure they get what they need to stay healthy and hydrated in the heat.

This can be a challenge, especially if you happen to have a child who is finicky about their food and drink. Sometimes, you just have to get a little creative because, unlike some adults, kids are not going to gulp down a gross tasting sports drink in the name of proper hydration.

Keeping kids hydrated daily is tough enough, but when they get a stomach bug, and you are dealing with dehydration after vomiting and diarrhea, that's when things get really tricky. Fortunately, kids don't get dehydrated quickly, but when they do, it's essential to know the signs and seek medical attention when necessary.

WHAT ARE THE BEST HYDRATION DRINKS FOR MY CHILD?

Keeping your child hydrated with good quality hydration drinks is key to preventing severe dehydration even when they get sick. Below is a list of best hydration drinks for children.

WATER

Water is readily available and does a great job of keeping your children hydrated and quenching their thirst. It has no added junk, so you don't have to worry about them guzzling down a lot of sugar when they are thirsty. No fat, no calories, no problem.

Well, maybe one small problem. It can be boring. Fortunately, there are a lot of healthy, natural ways to add flavor to your child's water without adding undesirable ingredients. Use spring water when you can because spring water has natural minerals in it. Other types of drinking water strip the minerals from the water. Our bodies need these minerals.

Here are a few ideas for flavor-infused water that kids are sure to love:

• citrus
• melon
• apples
• berries
• cucumber
• mint leaves
• a cinnamon stick

Let your child pick out some combinations and help with the infusion process to pique their interest and get them on board. Beware of using fruit juices to flavor water as they are high in sugar content. Fruit juices are certainly not bad for your child, but if they tend to drink a lot, the sugar can add up quickly.

MILK

Kids should drink 16-24 ounces of milk per day. It contains protein, vitamin D, and calcium. It's hydrating and an excellent way to get those servings in.

Almond milk, Coconut milk, and soy milk are good alternatives. Just be sure to get the unsweetened varieties to avoid the extra sugar.

Beware of flavored milks as they contain high sugar content and can have artificial ingredients too.

ORAL REHYDRATING SOLUTIONS (ELECTROLYTE DRINKS)

Big brand electrolyte drinks like Gatorade and Pedialyte have a lot of sugar, and the sugar-free versions have a lot of artificial ingredients. Neither of which is something you want your kids to have in large quantities. However, for kids who sweat a lot, are very active, or are recovering from a stomach bug, oral rehydrating solutions are imperative.

The best "solution" is HYDRATE, an oral rehydrating solution that has only 1 gram of sugar that comes from organic lemon juice. It is made with whole, real, organic ingredients. Organic plant-based stevia and organic lemon juice gives it a sweet, clean, homemade lemonade taste that your child will love.

It has unprocessed vitamins and minerals (electrolytes) to rehydrate your child with the best possible ingredients. It works excellent for rehydration, but it is also perfect for day to day hydration as it has a sweet lemony taste that kids love.