Dear mummy, I’m a crazy toddler and over the summer months you are always trying to find ways to keep me hydrated and cool. Children are at a greater risk of dehydration than adults as they have higher water requirements in relation to their body weight especially when playing sport or during warm weather. With all the fun activities we get up to like rock-pooling, flying kites on the beach and pond dipping reminding me to drink more water can be difficult. I usually have to ask to be provided with water; often relying on my folks to provide drinks.

But making me drink water can be difficult. You see I don’t really like the taste of boring old tap water. It doesn’t really taste of anything and I want my water to be fun and interesting just like my little life. We’ve tried many times to get me to drink plain water with no avail. It doesn’t help that my folks don’t really like the taste either.

So what can help me drink more water?

My mummy first discovered Robinsons Squash’d when they launched in 2014 and we’ve been using them since. Robinsons Squash’d is available in 66ml asymmetrical shaped bottles, measuring just 7cm tall and containing 20 serves at an RRP of £2.49. They are really handy to carry around and I’m fascinated by their size! However, recently our water intake has been reduced as we’ve been seduced by cheap fruit cartons and bottles, which are high in sugar and convenient, buying them at cafes on days out.

Not anymore though, we have joined hundreds of other families to take up the #Enjoymorewater challenge this year to increase our intake of water and cut back on sugary drinks. Earlier this year Robinsons launched the Enjoy Drinking More Water campaign as part of a mission to get brits to enjoy drinking more water. I am glad to be taking part in this to encourage myself and my folks to drink a little more.

So what’s all the fuss about water?

Water is essential for life, health and wellbeing. You can live without food for a week but not without water! We can only live a few days with no water as our bodies have water in every cell, tissue and organ and needs it to function. More than 50% of UK children do not meet the adequate amounts of water hydration which is really shocking as there are huge links with hydration and performance in education and living a healthy life. Did you know that children in fact need almost as much water as an adult as 70% of their body are made up of water? The Natural Hydration Council in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation has also developed a children’s hydration glass as a clear guide for parents. It tells you the kind of variety of drinks kids should be having.

Whats the benefit of drinking more water?

1. It helps kids play better. Water helps fuel muscles, so drinking before or during play time will boost energy, as well as reduce the likelihood of cramps and sprains and grumpy children!

2. It reduces calories. Good for adults wanting to keep an eye on their weight. Drinking half a litre of water half an hour before meals can make you feel more full, so that you eat fewer calories.

3. It makes your skin glow. Drinking water combats dry skin, flushing out toxins and bacteria. Preventing dehydration improves the appearance of skin giving a healthier and more youthful look.

4. It cures headaches. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of headaches. Maintaining a regular water intake should combat most headaches even those brought about by fatigue.

5. It gives you more energy. Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1-3%) can impair energy levels and mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance. Hydrating your body increases its power to work to its full capacity. Not only will you avoid feeling tired, but you’ll never have an excuse to be lazy again. Great for kids…. 😉

6. It boosts productivity. A regular supply of water to your body helps your brain work at a better pace and helps you concentrate.

7. It’s good for your immunity. Drinking water helps to fight against colds and flu and prevents salts accumulating in the kidneys which form kidney stones. It also maintains the thickness of blood plasma avoiding cardiovascular complications.

8. It improves digestion. Drinking water helps with constipation. Water assists in the removal of toxins and waste from your body encouraging regular bowel movements and is crucial for a healthy gut.

9. It makes you happier. Water encourages the flow of nutrients and hormones around your body releasing endorphins which make you feel happier. Your body is likely to feel in better condition too and as a consequence you will not only look better but feel better too.

10. Water is FREE! Even if you choose bottled/filtered water, it’s STILL cheaper than fizzy drinks and cartons.

So, how do you know if you are not adequately hydrated?

These are the signs of poor hydration: being thirstier than normal, dry, sticky mouth, dark urine, headache and feeling tired with reduced concentration.

As a result of my folks looking into the #enjoymorewater campaign the compact squash’d bottles have reappeared in my mummy’s rucksack side pockets and my folks have started to bring bottled water out on our trips. With a little squirt of juicy Squash it can now transform our dull water into a full-blown tropical party in my mouth!  The Robinsons Squash’d range now contains six flavours such as Summer Fruit, Apple & Blackcurrant, Orange & Peach, Citrus, Passion Fruit & Mango, Lemon & Lime. The average glass of Robinsons contains just five calories too so my mummy need not worry about her waistline and the only sugar that is in Squash’d is the sugar that naturally occurs from the fruit juice. It’s super concentrate so we don’t need to use a lot which means they last for ages!

I love to play outside so it’s important that I’m drinking enough. I get really hot and sweaty and don’t even realise that I need a drink until my mummy reminds me….Opps. I start panting like a little dog and my tongue sticks out of my mouth when I run around, so my mummy always stops play for a little well earned rest.

So here’s some tips to keep little ones refreshed over the summer

1. Keep cool. Seek shade during the hottest period of the day. Take a breather and relax with a cool drink or ice lolly.

2. Drink more water. Make it fun with Squash’d, why not try to make ice lollies from Squash’d flavours?

3. Make liquids accessible. Make sure that little ones have access to water or squash at all times and that they can grab it on their own…unprompted. This will also help them regulate their thirst too and teach them good habits.

4. Have pit stops. Take plenty of water pit stops during play time. It’s hard to know if a toddler is dehydrated. You really shouldn’t wait until you’re really thirsty to drink because that is a sign your body is already beginning to dehydrate. Uh-Oh…

5. Cover up. Wear sunscreen and a sunhat in the sunshine and protect your skin.

6. Variety is key. Although water is the best drink to stay refreshed, it’s not your only source. Water is present in milk, fruit juices, smoothies, squashes and even in tea and coffee. According to the British Dental Health Foundation, after water and milk, drinking diluted, no added sugar fruit squash is the next best alternative.

Putting what we’ve learnt into practice…

Last week was National Picnic Week so what better way to celebrate Fathers Day than have a glorious summer picnic in the lovely Vyne Estate in Hampshire. I enjoyed blowing bubbles, playing chase and throwing my little ball which got me hot and sweaty. My folks and I enjoyed taste testing Robinsons Squash’d. My favourite was the Passion Fruit & Mango flavour. We counted how many times I had a beaker of water or juice and then added a fruity sticker to a daily reward chart. This helped to track my progress. My mummy found it really useful too, as it acted like a water diary and she found that she experienced fewer headaches during the week.

So how do you help your child to drink more water?

Have fun with it, we like clinking glasses and saying ‘cheers’ or ‘bottoms up’ to encourage me to finish my cup of juice and not just slip it. My folks always drink with me as well as I like to copy them…well I am a toddler after. It’s important for adult to set good examples with their water intake too!

Adding a dash of Robinsons Squash’d to a glass of water or a kids bottle has really helped our little family, making water more enjoyable to drink. Hopefully we can maintain 6-8 glasses of water a day over the summer – we feel better for it!

Cheers!

Love Bella x

Disclosure. This post is an entry for BritMums #EnjoyMoreWater Challenge, sponsored by Robinsons. We received six Robinsons Squash’d bottles in order to write a review and all opinions are our own.