By Wendy J. Wallace, DO, President of CCF

Children’s bodies are smaller and contain less water than adults’, making them more prone to dehydration. Combined with their high energy and activity levels, it’s easy to see how they can become dehydrated quickly in the summer heat.

Start their summer days with water or juice, and ensure they consume water or hydrating foods every 1 to 3 hours. The best option is plain water. Other good sources include water-rich fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelon, lemons, oranges, cantaloupe, and celery. Frozen popsicles can also help on especially hot days.

Signs of dehydration in children include infrequent urination, flushed cheeks, dry skin with little to no sweat, and irritability. If you notice these signs, stop their activity immediately. Move them to a cool, shaded area, apply wet cloths to their forehead, and encourage them to drink water.

Children cool off eating watermelon on a hot, summer’s day. Image: Kaboompics.com