How Much Water Should Kids Drink?

Keeping children well hydrated is essential for their health, growth, and development. Water helps regulate body temperature, supports concentration and learning, aids digestion, and keeps little bodies active throughout the day.

The amount of water a child needs varies depending on their age, weight, activity level, and the weather. A simple guide is to take half of your child's weight (up to 100 pounds)—that's approximately the number of ounces of water they should drink each day. For example, an 80-pound child should aim to drink around 40 ounces of water daily.

Recommended Daily Water Intake

While every child is different, the following is a general guide to daily water intake:

• 1–3 years (girls and boys): 4 cups per day

• 4–8 years (girls and boys): 4 cups per day

• 9–13 years (girls): 7 cups per day

• 9–13 years (boys): 8 cups per day

• 14–18 years (girls): 8 cups per day

• 14–18 years (boys): 11 cups per day

If you have any concerns about your child's hydration or water intake, speak with your GP or paediatrician.

Tips to Encourage Proper Hydration

Helping children develop healthy drinking habits doesn't have to be difficult. Try these simple ideas:

• Use a reusable water bottle to encourage drinking throughout the day.

• Mark lines on your child's water bottle to show how much they should drink by certain times.

• Choose water over soft drinks and limit sugary juices.

• Add slices of fresh fruit, such as lemon, orange, berries, or cucumber, to make water more appealing.

• Serve water in colourful cups or with fun, reusable straws.

• Be a positive role model by drinking plenty of water yourself.

• Use a hydration chart to explain how urine colour can be an indicator of hydration and dehydration.

Signs of Dehydration

Children can become dehydrated quickly, particularly during hot weather or when they are active. Watch for signs such as:

• Dark yellow urine

• Dry lips or mouth

• Headaches

• Feeling tired or irritable

• Dizziness

• Reduced urination

Encouraging children to drink water regularly throughout the day—rather than waiting until they feel thirsty—is one of the best ways to help them stay healthy and hydrated.

Helping Children Build Healthy Habits

Making water the drink of choice helps children stay energised, focused, and ready to learn and play. Developing healthy hydration habits from an early age supports lifelong wellbeing.

Healthy habits start with small sips! Encouraging children to drink water throughout the day helps them stay happy, healthy, and ready to learn, play, and explore.