With Ramadan just around the corner, some of us are preparing for our child’s first month of fasting.  The biggest worry here being, how do we keep them sufficiently hydrated? And yes, this is a valid concern.  Though a day of no food is somewhat manageable, dehydration certainly remains a problem; especially considering things like school and after school activities.

Fear not Mamas, here are a few tips to help keep your child hydrated during this time:

• Breaking fast with a glass of water.
• Drinking between 8 – 12 glasses of water between Iftar and Suhour.
• Drinking room temperature water, as it is absorbed faster than cold water.
• Having soup daily, as they are a good source of fluids.
• Encouraging fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.
• Avoiding excessive use of salt, as salty foods are known to increase thirst.
• Minimising sweet treats, as processed sugars are also known to dehydrate the body.
• Avoiding caffeinated drinks, as these are natural diuretics and increase the risk of fluid loss.
• Lastly, and if possible, avoiding too much sun exposure and physical activity during the day.

Please stay tuned to learn about what thirst inducing foods to avoid during Ramadan! For more tips on preparing for Ramadan, be sure to check out our post on What Not To Do During Ramadan.