Small bodies lose water faster.

Why children dehydrate faster than adults

Children have more body surface area for their weight, sweat less efficiently, and rarely stop playing to drink. Moving between chilled classrooms and hot playgrounds makes it harder still for parents to judge how much fluid a child has actually lost.

Early signs to watch for: fewer bathroom trips, darker urine, dry lips, tiredness or irritability after outdoor play.

What to give them — and what to skip

Plain water is always the first answer. But after long outdoor play, sport, or a full day in the heat, water alone replaces fluid without replacing the minerals lost in sweat. Sports drinks add those minerals but bring a large amount of sugar with them.

Hydralyte takes the middle path: five essential electrolytes with a low-sugar recipe, in flavours kids actually finish — Orange, Lemon, Pineapple and Watermelon.

How to serve it

Mix one sachet into 500 ml of cold water and stir until dissolved. For younger children, split one prepared serve across the afternoon rather than giving a full serve at once.

One to two serves a day is plenty for an active child; the rest should be water. (As a general guide only — every child is different.)

When to call a professional instead

Hydralyte is a hydration drink, not a medicine. If your child is unwell, vomiting, has diarrhoea or shows signs of significant dehydration, speak to your paediatrician or pharmacist first — they may recommend a clinical oral rehydration product and will tell you what is appropriate for your child's age.

Frequently asked questions