If getting your kids to drink water feels like a daily struggle, you're not alone. In fact, according to a Harvard School of Public Health study, over half of kids are not properly hydrated - leading to issues like irritability and reduced cognitive function.¹ And keeping them hydrated without loading them up on sugar feels harder than it should be.

So, we turned to pediatric nutritionist Jordana Tobelem, RD for realistic, low-sugar ways to keep kids hydrated on a daily basis. When your kids refuse to drink water, here are her go-to drink picks and other hydration tips for kids.

Not Your Average H2O

Let’s face it - most kids don’t love plain water, and need a little something extra to get them to hydrate. According to Tobelem, our Registered Dietitian, a leading source of excess sugar for kids is what they drink. “Many kids exceed their daily sugar limit before lunch, often from fruit juices that are packed with sugar (even if they have none added),” she explains.

But how can parents keep kids hydrated on a daily basis? Tobelem evaluated the three most popular options for kids: Hiya Kids Daily Hydration, Pedialyte, and Honest Kids Juice Drink. Here’s what she had to say:

🥇 Hiya - Our Dietitian’s #1 Pick

Our Dietitian recommends Hiya Kids Daily Hydration:

• It’s a zero-added sugar hydration powder made just for kids.
• No weird dyes - Hiya’s pink-tint comes from real fruit, not artificial colors!
• Includes kid-safe doses of electrolytes - like Himalayan pink salt, potassium, magnesium and calcium - to support mood and focus.
• Includes prebiotic fiber for gut health.
• Vitamin C for immune support.
• Fun factor: it comes with stickers so kids can decorate their own canister.
• LOVED by our kid testers - its yummy berry flavor tastes “just like juice.”

“Hiya stands out because it’s clean, effective, and made with ingredients I feel good recommending,” says Tobelem. “Most hydration powders for kids still add sugars and artificial dyes. Hiya skips all that.”

🥈 Honest Kids - Better Than Most Juice Boxes, But Still Sugary

Honest Kids “Juice Drink” - marketed as a healthier juice option - still contains 8 to 10 grams of sugar per box. And that box is only 6 fl oz: if your child consumed Honest’s Juice Drinks for half of their recommended fluid intake, that would be over 40 grams of sugar (well over the recommended daily value) per day!^2,3 “It’s fine occasionally, but your child may experience a sugar spike with even one serving,” says Tobelem.

🥉 Pedialyte - Great for Sick Days, Not Every Day

Pedialyte has long been a go-to for rehydration, especially during illness, but Tobelem doesn’t recommend it for daily use. “Up to 19 grams of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and dyes (like Yellow 6) are not ideal for everyday hydration.” She notes that the sodium levels can be too high for regular consumption in young kids.

Other Expert-Backed Tips to Keep Kids Hydrated

Beyond drinks, Tobelem, our pediatric nutritionist, says there are plenty of other simple, creative ways to support hydration.

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🍉 Add Water-Rich Foods to Their Diet

“Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, berries, and oranges are packed with water.” Tobelem notes. “Including these in snacks and meals is an easy way to sneak in extra hydration, without a battle.”

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🥤 Use a Fun Water Bottle

Let your child pick out a reusable water bottle they love, and make it feel personal with stickers or decorations. “Kids are more likely to drink water if it feels like something they chose,” she explains. Bonus tip: pick one with a built-in straw or pop-top for extra appeal.

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⏰ Make It A Routine

Tobelem recommends building hydration into your child’s daily routine. That might mean a cup of water after brushing teeth, during snack time, or before heading out the door. “Creating hydration habits is key when your child isn’t naturally reaching for water.”

A Pediatric Dietitian’s Recommendation

If your child is going through a “no water” phase, don’t stress. According to Tobelem, RD, it’s common and usually temporary. “Kids often find water boring, especially if they’re used to sweet drinks. The key is finding healthy swaps that still feel exciting,” she says.

That’s why she recommends Hiya Kids Daily Hydration as a parent-friendly solution during those picky phases:

“Hiya is free of added sugar and artificial sweeteners, made with real fruit powder, and includes electrolytes in appropriate amounts for kids. It’s a smart replacement for sugary drinks.” Plus, kids LOVE the berry taste - it’s a sweet treat without the added sugar.

The bottom line? Try meeting your kids where they are with hydration options that are dietitian-approved and kid-loved.

Ready to try Hiya? With TCJ, get 50% off your order:

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^{1. The Harvard Gazette: Over 50% of Kids Not Adequately Hydrated}

^{2. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Recommended Daily Fluid Intake for Kids}

^{3. NHS UK: Recommended Daily Sugar Allowance for Kids}