Waters, juices, soups… What do we give him to drink?

Hydration participates in the development of a baby. Remember that during the first months of his life, his body is made up of about 70% water. This element is therefore necessary for its hydroelectric balance. That is to say ? “The balance between water and electrolytes takes part in chemical reactions in the cells which allow the body to function well”, explains Delphine Sury, dietician-nutritionist in Bordeaux. But water also plays a role of thermal regulator. A toddler’s movements (and later his efforts to stand, then his first steps) are very energy intensive. “With skin loss and the immaturity of his kidneys, a baby ‘consumes’ a lot of water and dehydrates more quickly than adults. Difficult for him, who does not yet master the language, to verbalize his thirst, ”continues Delphine Sury.

From 0 to 3 years old, to each their needs

Between 0 and 6 months, the baby’s hydration is exclusively provided by mother’s or infant’s milk. From 10 months to 3 years, a child should drink every day, at least, 500 ml of infant milk adapted to its growth. “But heat, fever or possible diarrhea can increase her water needs during the day,” explains D. Sury. “It’s up to you to supplement your milk intake with water, offered in a bottle, at regular intervals,” she adds. In certain situations, such as when traveling by car or plane, it is also recommended to hydrate your child regularly.

What water for a toddler?

Before 3 years, it is best to give spring water to a toddler. “On a daily basis, it must be weakly mineralized. But on the advice of his pediatrician, you can also serve him (occasionally) a water rich in minerals, therefore in magnesium (Hepar, Contrex, Courmayeur) if he suffers from transit disorders, or in calcium, if your child eats little. dairy products, ”explains Delphine Sury. What about flavored waters? “It is best to avoid them in order to accustom a child to the neutral taste of water. Ditto for sodas or industrial fruit juices. Too sweet, these do not suit her nutritional needs and distort the learning of taste, ”she explains. The risk if it becomes a habit? That of creating, in the long term, problems of overweight, diabetes and promoting the appearance of cavities.

A top hydration diet

Fruits and vegetables, like most vegetables, contain a lot of water. This is the case, for example, with strawberries, tomatoes or cucumbers that can be found on the stalls in summer. “Presented in their raw and unprocessed form, they are not always popular with children. The specialist suggests instead mixing them in soups, soups and gazpachos. “Toddlers, even if they are old enough to chew, are afraid of new foods. The velvety texture of mixed vegetables is reassuring for them, ”she says. “Take the opportunity to offer them new combinations of flavors such as carrot-orange or apple-cucumber, for example. It is a good introduction to sweet and savory contrasts. And this makes it easier for them to enjoy raw vegetables rich in vitamin C while hydrating. “

And the fruit juices, how to introduce them?

“Before the age of 3, water is the most appropriate drink as part of a varied diet. Of course, you can occasionally offer fruit juice to a toddler, but it should not replace spring water, ”recalls the nutrition specialist. Subsequently, it is at breakfast time or as a snack (in the morning or afternoon) that fruit juices enter the diet. And always, outside of meals. “Homemade fruit juices, prepared using a juicer or juice extractor, are rich in vitamins, fiber and minerals. And when the fruits are organic, it’s even better! », Says Delphine Sury. “The juices that are bought in bricks at the supermarket are most often devoid of fiber. They have little nutritional value. Homemade is much tastier and more fun, especially when you squeeze your juice with the family… ”. What if you try original cocktails?