Getting DD5 to Drink Enough- Advice

[mrsltg]

Hi All-

We are going to WDW 8/14-8/21. DD14mos drinks constantly. I am not at all worried about keeping her hydrated. She loves water, juice, milk etc. DD5 is a camel. The kid just doesn't drink unless I sit her down and make her. I am concerned about our upcoming trip. I know it will be miserably hot and I know dd5 will be on the go and really giving herself a work out. Here a my questions:

1. How much is a reasonable amount to expect her to drink?
2. How do I make sure she drinks it? (am wondering if the heat alone will force her?)

Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[Schmeck]

Fluids don't have to be in the liquid state to be enjoyed - hint, hint - popsicles, dole whip, and ice cream count on our hydration lists! Also, stay away from caffeine - it actually dehydrates you, as it is a diuretic.

For a five year old, if you can get a 20 ounce bottle of water finished off, plus the ususal 8 oz drinks at meal time, and a popsicle, you should be OK, I think.

 

[DVCLiz]

Try out some of those little powdered add-ins from Crystal Light. My daughters have loved them, and drink a lot more plain water when they have a little flavor. We like the iced tea and the lemonade. The little packets are so easy to store!

 

[melomouse]

My DD is like yours and has been doing "hot" WDW trips since 5. I, too, was worried about keeping her hydrated. Other posters have made suggestions about other forms of liquid - also good ideas.

One thing I did was tell her she HAD to take a slug out of the frozen water bottle before going on the next ride or attraction. We would stop right there before moving on. Since she was so into the "next" thing, this worked easily!

The other thing I've discovered is that every kid is different. She drinks - enough for HER body!! Just because DS and I drink our H2O constantly, doesn't necessarily mean SHE has the same needs. Of course, it's taken me 4 more years to " get" this!!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

I always buy my dd's one of the water bottle straps each trip. They get to pick a new strap each trip to wear the water. I find if they have it with them they drink more. I buy the 12oz bottles with the sport top and then we alternate refills with lemonade and water.

TJ

 

[DVCLiz]

I think the idea of a special water bottle is also a good one. It's not that expensive, and maybe having to take a sip from her "Princess" cup will do the trick. Love the idea about taking a sip before the next ride!!!

 

[my4kids]

I used to worry about consumption amounts and every bodily function with my oldest...and I have since learned that my kids are better off regulating themselves. Each kid is different, and their little bodies can handle this themselves...when she is thirsty she will drink, hungry eat etc. I know each family is different, but what I noticed in my family was that the oldest that I regulated (down to telling him when to go pee ) is a little overweight. Since I was making him eat and drink what I thought he should and not what his body thought it should I think I through his metabolism off a little) I was over this control issue with my others (mostly because I didn't have the time to obsess over their every bodily function) and they are all perfect weight , health etc) I now take the position that my job is to have it available to them, their job is to decide if they need it. My kids have water bottles at Disney, but I don't obsess over whether they are using them. They have it, if they need it, they will drink it. Same with food, I put it in front of them, if they are hungry they eat it.

 

[DVC Mary]

CamelBak!

Our best investment was to buy one w/ a backpack at our local sporting goods store. We pack it w/ ice every time we're in the room, add a little water, and voila we have ice cold water to drink from the cool tube that comes out of the backpack. It makes it more of novelty. The person wearing it doesn't mind b/c it keeps their back cool. We also freeze juiceboxes to bring w/ in a very small insulated pouch.

If I left it up to them when to drink, they'd keel over. WDW is very stimulating & kids can easily ignore their body's signals.

Have a great trip!

 

[mrsltg]

Thanks for all of the ideas and suggestions. I am thinking I will pay attention to my own needs for water and force the others to follow along (dh is bad about drinking, too). Good idea about soda - we already told her (and ourselves) soda will be only be at dinner - water or milk thoughout the day. Popsicles are also a great idea!

Thanks again!

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I think that you are right to be concerned about dehydration. Kids just get too busy to listen to their bodies. Thirst is one of the early signs of dehydration. You need to drink before you get thirsty. Lots of good tips here. They also have the new kool-aid singles for kids. Not sure if they have them in suger free or not. I like the idea of everyone taking a drink before each ride.

 

[missmun52]

I think that you are right to be concerned about dehydration. Kids just get too busy to listen to their bodies. Thirst is one of the early signs of dehydration. You need to drink before you get thirsty. Lots of good tips here. They also have the new kool-aid singles for kids. Not sure if they have them in suger free or not. I like the idea of everyone taking a drink before each ride.

I agree with this post. Sorry all mom who say let thie kids decide when they want to drink. Most times you dont start to feel really thirsty until you are starting to get dehydrated.Then your body reacts and you feel like drinking, So your child may not feel thirsty buy you as a parent MUST make sure they dirnk and even more when it is hot. Ask your doctor how much she should be consuming and go from there not just the advice on here. I like the idea of making her drink before attractions.
Some kids start to get cranky and parents just feel they are getting tired. YES but why?? Because sometimes (not always) it is due to heat exaustion, and dehydration. Lack of water makes us tired weak and cranky. You need to regulate how much your kid drinks, be wise and take this advice of your doctor. They sometimes will give you a summer sheet (mine does) about making sure your child drinks enough and puts on sunscreen ect.
Hope you have a great trip.

 

[bartleby1]

Don't forget about fruit! There are quite a few places to get fresh fruit bowls. My kids LOVE to eat fruit especially when they are hot and it is a good source of liquids as well. My kids are not big drinkers either. I must confess that I often forget to drink enough too.

 

[mrsltg]

Thanks again! I have read that when you are thirsty you're already dehydrated. Add to that sweating to regulate body-temp and you can have a real problem. I will speak to the pediatrician about how much I should expect her to drink and will definitely employ the "drink before ride" rule.