Keeping kids hydrated isn’t just about avoiding headaches or tiredness — it helps focus, mood and energy. Summer makes it trickier: warmer days, more play, and a million reasons for them to forget to sip. Here’s a short, friendly guide you can actually use this week. Quick to read, quick to action.

Quick facts (the ones to remember)

• Aim tospread fluid intake across the whole day, not just in one go.

• Water is the best go-to. Limit fruit juice and sugary drinks.

• Visible bottle = more drinking. Kids sip when it’s in sight.

How much during school hours? (practical targets)

These are easy targets you can use when packing bottles — think of them asschool hours goals, not full‑day totals:

• Pre-Schoolers/Reception: aim for~300–500 ml.

• Key Stage 2: aim for~400–600 ml.

• Key Stage 3: aim for~600–900 ml.

These sit under the day’s total fluid needs (kids get the rest from meals and snacks). If they’re very active or it’s a hot day, bump those targets up.

Easy wins you can do this week (no faff)

These are fast, effective and kid friendly — try 1 or 2 and keep the rest for next week:

1. The ‘own-it’ trick (30 seconds)
Let your lil dragon choose the personalisation colour + font and any other accompanying stickers. Ownership = pride = sipping.

2. Top-up habit at breaktime (10 seconds)
Ask teachers to do a quick 60 second top-up reminder at morning break: “one big sip for energy!” If you’ve got a class WhatsApp or Dojo, give teachers a quick heads up about your lil dragon’s bottle access.

3. Freeze fruit ice cubes (5 minutes)
Freeze berries/citrus slices into ice cubes. Pop a couple in their water and it adds gentle flavour and keeps water cold.

Quick flavour ideas (Lil dragon approved)

• Berry Splash: handful of frozen mixed berries.

• Citrus Twist: thin orange or lemon slices + a mint leaf.

• Cucumber & Mint: 3 thin cucumber slices + a tear of mint (refreshing).
  

Cleaning & safety — keep it simple

• Handwash in warm soapy water and rinse after each day and leave to air dry overnight.

• Wash the lid thoroughly by hand or top rack dishwasher.

• Ensure both the bottle and lid are completely dry before reassembling. Moist lids = mould risk.

• Replace worn labels early — small bit of effort keeps belongings identifiable.

Signs they need more water (what to look for)

• Darker urine colour

• Less frequent wees,

• Tiredness or headaches, crankiness

• Dry lips. If you notice any of these, encourage an immediate top-up.

Bonus pro tips (for busy mums)

• If bottles are going missing, try a clear waterproof sticker on the base of the lid — often teachers spot that first.

• For PE days, use the sports lid so they can sip without pausing the game.

• Use a visible bottle colour or add a bright handle so it’s seen on pegs/benches.

Hydration is easy when it’s visible, fun and part of the routine. Pair these tips with a personalised, 100% leakproof Dragons & Daisies bottle (each comes with a free handle or sports lid until Sept 7th) and you’ll be winning school mornings.