Is Your Child Drinking Too Much Water? A Guide for Parents

The focus on overhydration is often on adults, but can children also be at risk? A medical expert provides a guide for parents, explaining that while it’s less common, children can also suffer from water intoxication, particularly in the context of sports or illness.
Children have smaller bodies and less developed kidneys than adults, which means their ability to excrete excess water is lower. Their thirst mechanisms are also still developing, and they may not be as good at self-regulating their fluid intake.
The risk is highest in a few specific scenarios. During intense sports activities, a well-meaning parent or coach might push a child to “drink, drink, drink” plain water, which can lead to exercise-associated hyponatremia. Another risk is during illnesses with vomiting and diarrhea, where parents might rehydrate with only water, failing to replace lost electrolytes.
Symptoms of overhydration in children can include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and in severe cases, irritability or seizures. These can be easily mistaken for symptoms of the illness itself or dehydration.
Parents should encourage their children to drink when thirsty. For sports, ensure they take regular breaks and consider a children’s electrolyte drink for long or intense events. When a child is sick, use an oral rehydration solution designed to replace both fluids and electrolytes. A balanced approach is the key to keeping kids safely hydrated.