Child health experts point out that the period before the age of 6 is the most vigorous and plastic for human brain development, and the nutritional intake during this stage affects a child's future life. The so-called "diet" starts with "drinking," and a child's healthy life should begin with drinking water. There is a science to how children should drink water before the age of 6.
Experts believe that children under 6 have high nutritional needs, and drinking water is a key part of this. Many nutrients can only be broken down after being dissolved in water, and the body's metabolism also requires water. Therefore, do not wait until your child is thirsty to give them water.
Experts say that children should use plastic and paper cups less, drink purified and bottled water less, and avoid drinking unboiled water and old water that has been boiled multiple times. Some parents now give their children sugary drinks and milk-based drinks as water, which is a misconception that can easily lead to childhood obesity and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension in adulthood.
Experts say that the daily water needs for children of different age groups vary: 600ml to 1000ml for ages 1 to 2, and 1000ml to 1500ml for ages 3 to 6. She reminds parents and kindergarten teachers that a healthy life starts with the first glass of water in the morning, and water intake can be evenly divided into five or six times a day.
She suggests that attention should be paid to cultivating the habit of children drinking water proactively, drinking freshly boiled, lukewarm white water within 12 to 24 hours, and not drinking overnight water. It is best to drink from glass or stainless steel cups, which are both environmentally friendly and healthy.