How Much Water Should Kids Drink?

The answer to the question "How much water should kids drink?" isn't straightforward. First, water intake should really be included in the amount of total fluids that a child consumes during the day, including fluids consumed through milk, juices, soups and soft drinks as well as food, which also contains water.

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In addition, other factors can affect the amount of fluids that your child needs on a daily basis. These factors include:

• Heat
• Altitude
• If the child is playing hard or exercising

Generally speaking, children from birth to 2 years or kids who weigh up to 26 lbs. should have 3 to 6 cups of water per day. Children are who 2 to 12 years old or weigh from 26 to 100 lbs. need about 4 to 8 cups of water per day.

If you have young children and one of them asks for something to drink, offer water to all of your kids, particularly the ones who aren't old enough to ask for water themselves. In addition, if you are thirsty, it's a good bet that your kids are thirsty, too. Remember that children's "internal sensors" about dehydration aren't completely developed. Your kids may not realize that they are thirsty until they are starting to become dehydrated.