We all know the importance of water but the problem is that most kids do not drink enough water. The recommended daily amount of water is 1 liter for kids above 5 and under 8 years of age. It goes up to 1.5 liters for kids between 9 and 12 years of age and about 2 liters for kids above 13 years of age.

While water is one of the most healthy drinks for kids, it’s not the only option out there. There are various other choices that are very healthy and also loved by kids.

Let’s have a look at some of the best healthy drinks for kids and why it is important for kids to drink enough fluids.

Why It Is Important For Kids to Drink Enough Fluids?

About half of our body is said to be made of water. In fact, we can’t survive more than a few days without water. Our body performs a number of vital functions that require water. For example, a lack of water can make it difficult to carry oxygen throughout the body. This is a concerning factor because poor oxygen level can cause cells to die.

In addition to this, water is also important for a healthy immune system. It plays an important role in fighting illnesses and keeping your body temperature under control. Moreover, it also helps with digestion.

Not drinking enough water can make it difficult to digest food resulting in constipation and other such issues. The interesting bit is that your body gets water from a number of sources including fruits and vegetables. You can even drink different fluids to fulfill your body’s need for water.

All in all, a lack of water can cause your body to break down resulting in illnesses and weakening of the structure. This is why it is important to consume the right amount of water every day.

Why Worry About What Your Child Takes to the School?

Children spend about 180 days at school per year, depending on the grade level. They study, play, and get involved in different activities at school. In fact, children also often sweat a lot at school due to the physical nature of their routines. This can lead to dehydration and the best option to fight this is to ensure they get enough fluids.

This is why it is important for parents to prepare a healthy drink for their kids to take to school. Children do not always like to drink water and may turn to other unhealthy sources like soft drinks.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to create a healthy and delicious drink that your child would happily take to school.

Let’s have a look at few:

1. Lemonade

Lemonade is a popular drink that’s also available at schools. It is very easy to make and most kids also love it.

What it Contains:

Lemonade is one of the purest drinks you can make for your child. Since it’s solely made of lemon and water, it contains all the nutrients that are present in lemon and water. These include vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

How to Make The Best Lemonade?

Lemonade is quite easy to make. Here are the steps:

• Take a glass of water. You may use chilled water or add ice later on.
• Take two mid-sized lemons and squeeze the juice into the glass with water. You may add more lemons or reduce the juice depending on what your child prefers.
• You may decide to add sugar if your kid likes sugary drinks. However, sugar is not very healthy hence it may be wise to give it a miss.
• Mix the drink and it’s ready to serve.

Note: You may also add a few mint leaves into the mix for extra flavor.

How Long Does it Last?

Lemonade stays drinkable for about 7 days. You must make sure to keep it refrigerated and in a nicely packed jar. It may be a wise idea to prepare a jug for the whole week.

1. Milk

Milk is undoubtedly the healthiest options anyone can have. However, sadly, most kids do not like to drink milk. If your child also hates the idea of taking milk to school then check out some of our tips on how to make the best milk drink for your child.

What it Contains:

A glass of milk contains protein, calcium, potassium, iodine, and phosphorus. In addition to this, milk is also rich in several vitamins including vitamin B12 and B2.

Moreover, you may also present milk with add-ons such as chocolate syrup for more benefits.

How to Make The Best Milk Drink?

You can make delicious milk-based drinks by adding any of the following:

• Fruits (banana, strawberries, mangoes, etc.)
• Chocolate
• Yogurt

Take a glass of milk, add the right quantity of your required add-on, introduce sugar to the mix, grind in a mixer, and your drink is ready.

How Long Does it Last?

Milk-based drinks are delicious but they don’t typically last very long. This is why we suggest you prepare it fresh in the morning for your child to take the drink to school. Moreover, some of these drinks are better enjoyed hot. Hence, invest in a good container so that your child has no trouble in taking the drink to school.

1. Fruit and Vegetable Juices

Most fruits and vegetables can be converted into juices. You only need the right recipe to create a delicious drink.

Kids typically hate the idea of consuming vegetables and fruits. You can convince your child to give it a try by introducing him or her to unique juices made by you.

What it Contains:

All fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients. You can make juices out of most fruits and vegetables including:

• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Apples
• Pineapples
• Oranges

You may also choose other veggies like broccoli and cucumber but most kids do not like such juices hence it may be a good idea to add these only for flavor.

How to Make The Best Fruit and Vegetable Juice?

You will need a mixer to do the job. Take the required fruit or vegetable, add it to the grinder, and mix. Since most fruits and vegetables are naturally rich in water, you may not have to add water to the mix.

How Long Does it Last?

Fruit and vegetable juices only last for about a day. Moreover, they should only be enjoyed fresh so that your child can get all the nutrients and minerals present in the drink.

1. Coconut Water

No list of healthy drinks for kids can be complete without coconut water. It’s naturally found and cannot be made at home and is known to provide benefits that very few drinks are known for.

What it Contains:

Coconut water contains carbs that are easy to digest. It’s a clear liquid that is very low in calories and contains a high amount of potassium.

How to Make The Best Coconut Water?

You cannot make coconut water at home. You can only buy it fresh or packed. However, you can increase the flavor by adding nuts, sugar, or honey to it.

How Long Does it Last?

Coconut water lasts for only about a day but it can be made to last for two days if you keep it properly refrigerated.

On the other hand, branded items come with an expiry but must be consumed within 24-48 hours of opening the bottle.

1. Nutritional Drinks

There are many nutritional and healthy drinks for kids on the market that can be good for your child. Pick one that your child likes to ensure he or she gets the required nutrients.

What it Contains:

Most nutritional drinks are rich in specific nutrients such as calcium, vitamins. Pay attention to the nutritional value of each product to ensure your child doesn’t end up consuming more nutrients than required as an overdose can also lead to issues.

How to Make The Best Nutritional Drink?

You can make your own nutritional drink or buy a packed product from the shelves. The latter is a safer option since packed products contain all the important nutritional information.

How Long Does it Last?

Packed drinks come with an expiry date and are typical to be consumed within 24-48 hours of opening the bottle. Refer to the pack for more details.

Conclusion

These were some of the best healthy drinks for kids.  Pick one that your child likes and try new recipes to ensure your child develops the taste. It’s also important to find the right container as some of the drinks may lose nutritional value if they’re not kept properly.