Kids and Hydration

            It’s RACE DAY! And your little ones are excited to be part of it.  To make the Little Rock a rockin’ good time, follow these hydration guidelines.

 Children do not feel the sensation of becoming thirsty as easily as adults. 

Parents:  Make sure your young athlete is prompted to drink, and have fluids readily available. 

Children become dehydrated faster than adults.

Parents: Keep an eye on the color of urine.  Pale yellow indicates “well hydrated”, beer bottle brown is very dehydrated.  Teach your kids to do a “pee” check.

Children drink more fluids if they like the flavor.

Parents:  Most kids do not drink enough if all they have to drink is water.  In hot weather, sports drinks, lemonade, fruit punch drinks are fine. 

Children participating in activities for >hour OR in very hot conditions may need to boost sodium losses with a sports hydration drink or salty snack.

Parents:  Do NOT give children salt tablets.  Use sports hydration drinks in hot weather and offer salty snacks like pretzels or baked chips.

 Children – and adults – become irritable when dehydrated and overheated.  Stay cool, stay hydrated and everyone will have more fun, and a safer race!

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