The Right Water Intake for Children
Children have a higher water percentage relative to their body weight and faster metabolism than adults. This makes adequate fluid intake particularly important for them.
Recommended Intake by Age
Infants (0-6 months)
Breastfed babies generally don't need additional water -- breast milk covers their needs completely. The same applies to properly prepared formula.
Babies (7-12 months)
With the introduction of solid food: 200-400 ml of water or unsweetened tea daily. Best from a cup rather than a bottle.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
About 600-700 ml per day. Offer water with every meal and in between.
Preschoolers (4-6 years)
Around 800-900 ml daily. At this stage, children slowly develop their own drinking habits.
School-age children (7-12 years)
1,000-1,200 ml per day. Make sure your child takes a water bottle to school.
Teenagers (13-18 years)
1,300-1,500 ml daily, similar to adults. More with sports and heat.
Tips for Reluctant Drinkers
1. **Colorful cups and bottles** with favorite characters motivate
2. **Flavor the water** with fresh fruits or a squeeze of lemon
3. **Be a role model:** When parents drink regularly, children follow suit
4. **Offer water-rich snacks:** cucumber, melon, tomatoes
5. **Establish drinking rituals:** glass of water upon waking, before/after meals
Warning Signs in Children
Little urine, no tears when crying, dry mouth and sunken eyes are alarm signs for dehydration in children. When in doubt, see a pediatrician immediately.