How much (and what) should children drink when it's hot? Pediatrician Monika Resch explains how parents can ensure children stay hydrated during heat waves, noting that children often don't feel thirst until it's too late.

As temperatures soar above 30 degrees Celsius, ensuring children stay adequately hydrated becomes a critical concern for parents. A common challenge is that young children, unlike adults, often do not recognize their own thirst until they are already significantly dehydrated.

Pediatrician Monika Resch advises that parents must be proactive in offering fluids to young children, especially those who cannot yet communicate their needs. "Small children don't report themselves when they are thirsty," Resch explains. "You have to offer them something to drink about every 30 minutes."

While water is the primary and often sufficient source of hydration, Resch notes that there are situations where water alone may not be enough to meet a child's needs during extreme heat. The article aims to guide parents on recognizing these situations and understanding what other fluids might be appropriate, ensuring their children remain healthy and safe during hot weather.

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Small children don't report themselves when they are thirsty. You have to offer them something to drink about every 30 minutes.