Water is essential to our body for proper function and overall health. As a parent, it’s important to ensure that your child is getting enough water throughout the day. How much water they need can vary based on age, gender, and activity levels.

Here’s a breakdown of how much water your child should be getting:.

Infants

From birth to 6 months, infants get their needed fluids from breast milk or formula. It is not recommended to give infants water until they are at least 6 months old.

After 6 months, water can be introduced in small amounts in addition to breast milk or formula.

Toddlers

From 7 months to 1 year, toddlers should drink 4 to 8 ounces of water per day. This can come in the form of a sippy cup or bottle, and can be given with meals and throughout the day as needed.

Children Ages 1 to 3

Children in this age group should be drinking 1 to 4 cups (8 to 32 ounces) of water per day. This can come from drinking water, water-based beverages, and foods with high water content such as fruit and soup.

Children Ages 4 to 8

Children in this age group should be drinking 5 cups (40 ounces) of water per day. This can come from drinking water, water-based beverages, and foods with high water content such as fruit and soup.

This can also be adjusted based on activity levels and weather conditions.

Boys Ages 9 to 13

Boys in this age group should be drinking 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day. This can come from drinking water, water-based beverages, and foods with high water content such as fruit and soup.

This can also be adjusted based on activity levels and weather conditions.

Related Article Recommended Water Intake for Children by Age and Gender (Table)

Girls Ages 9 to 13

Girls in this age group should be drinking 7 cups (56 ounces) of water per day. This can come from drinking water, water-based beverages, and foods with high water content such as fruit and soup.

This can also be adjusted based on activity levels and weather conditions.

Boys Ages 14 to 18

Boys in this age group should be drinking 11 cups (88 ounces) of water per day. This can come from drinking water, water-based beverages, and foods with high water content such as fruit and soup.

This can also be adjusted based on activity levels and weather conditions.

Girls Ages 14 to 18

Girls in this age group should be drinking 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day. This can come from drinking water, water-based beverages, and foods with high water content such as fruit and soup.

This can also be adjusted based on activity levels and weather conditions.

Factors That Can Increase the Need for Water

In addition to age and gender, there are several factors that can increase the need for water:.

• High levels of physical activity
• Hot or dry weather conditions
• Fever or illness
• Diarrhea or vomiting

In these cases, it’s important to ensure that your child is getting enough water to replace any fluids lost.

Conclusion

Water is essential for proper body function and overall health. The amount of water your child needs can vary based on age, gender, and activity levels.

Use the above guidelines as a starting point and adjust accordingly based on your child’s individual needs.