Why Hydration Tablets For Kids Are As Crucial As Sunscreen

Be honest, when you pack for a long day outside with the family, sunscreen sits at the top of your priority list. Don’t get us wrong, protecting yourself and your children from the sun’s harmful UV rays is important. But what’s just as important is helping your family stay hydrated, especially in the summer.

Rising temperatures, lots of running about and longer days. It’s a recipe for fluid loss and dehydration. But O.R.S Hydration Tablets for kids can help you protect your children during the warmer months.

Children’s bodies regulate temperature differently from adults, and they may not always recognise when they are thirsty. That’s why a proactive approach to hydration is so important.

Are you a parent looking to keep your kids healthy and hydrated this summer? Here’s how O.R.S can help.

Why Children Need Hydration Drinks

Stating the obvious, but children are naturally very active, as any parent who’s woken up at 5 am to the sound of their shenanigans can confirm. Whether they’re out and about, playing sports, at the pool, or on a nice family holiday, this increased activity means they lose fluids more quickly than we realise.

Hot weather, increased physical activity, or illness can contribute to fluid loss. Also, a lot of children may not recognise early thirst cues or think to stop running about in order to rehydrate.

Hydration drinks for kids can help them maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in their bodies. Electrolytes like sodium and potassium are important because they help regulate hydration, muscle function, and normal bodily processes. And while water can help hydrate, it isn’t the best drink for replenishing electrolytes.

When A Child Might Need More Help Hydrating

There are lots of situations where your kids may need additional hydration support beyond just drinking more water. Here are some examples:

• Hot summer days
• Sports and physical activities
• Long days outdoors
• Travelling or flying
• Illness involving fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Refusing to drink enough fluids

Children have higher water requirements per unit of body weight. They also have a lower heat tolerance than adults, making them more susceptible to dehydration.

Even mild dehydration can affect concentration, mood, and energy levels.

Signs Of Dehydration In Children

You know your child, and you know when there’s something off with them. To help you put your finger on ‘what’, here’s how to recognise the signs of dehydration early so that you can help quickly.

The big signs:

• They have dry lips or a dry mouth
• They’re tired and lacking energy
• Complaining about headaches
• Their urine is dark yellow
• They’re dizzy
• They’re Irritable
• They’re going to the loo less
• They’re suddenly really thirsty

Dehydration can sneak up on you. So if you’re doing something active as a family, regular water breaks are essential. Also, encourage your children to drink water throughout the day rather than waiting until they’re thirsty.

If any of the above symptoms become severe or persistent, you should seek medical advice immediately.

How Hydration Tablets For Kids Work

While plain water is essential, it may not always replace electrolytes lost during prolonged activity and excessive sweating. This is where hydration tablets for kids can offer additional support, rehydrating kids faster and more effectively than water alone. 

Dissolved in water, O.R.S Hydration Tablets are a convenient way to encourage children to drink more and replenish essential electrolytes. Electrolytes help the body absorb and retain fluids more efficiently than water alone, and each offers its own benefits. Sodium helps regulate fluid balance, potassium supports normal muscle and nerve function, and chloride aids digestion and muscle function.

O.R.S Hydration Tablets are the only NHS-prescribed electrolyte tablets following WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines. Created by pharmacists, recommended by medical practitioners, perfect for your children. 

Because hydration tablets are pre-measured, they offer a simple, convenient option for parents. They can be added to water bottles or packed into bags for on-the-go hydration. Naturally flavoured hydration drinks, like our kids’ strawberry, can get the kids with a sweet tooth to drink more, too.

Dissolve TWO tablets per 200ml of water to make up the electrolyte solution.

Adults 

Drink 200ml of mixed solution for rapid hydration.

Kids (6+ Years)

200ml of mixed solution when required.

Kids (3-6 Years)

10ml solution per kg body weight (small sips).

Kids (under 3)

10ml solution per kg body weight (small sips). O.R.S kids Hydration tablets may be given to children under 3, provided it is under the guidance / supervision / recommendation of a healthcare professional such as a nurse, pharmacist or doctor.

Advice For Parents