Simple tips for parents, schools, and brands to build habits that last
Between busy school days, playtime, and screen time, it’s easy for kids to forget to hydrate, and by the time they feel thirsty, it’s often too late. Even mild dehydration can affect energy, focus, and overall wellbeing. Helping children build strong hydration habits early on can make a real difference in their health, development, and daily comfort.
This guide breaks down what parents, schools, and brands can do to make water more appealing, accessible, and consistent. From choosing the right bottle to using smart reminders and offering fun, healthy alternatives, we’ll show you how to get kids to drink more water — and enjoy it.
Understanding children's hydration needs
Kids need more water than many parents realise — and they often don’t ask for it until they’re already feeling the effects of dehydration. For younger children under 8, that means around 4–6 glasses daily. Older children need 6–8 glasses, with even more during hot weather or after physical activity.
Because children’s bodies are made up of more water than adults’, they’re more vulnerable to fluid loss. They also have lower heat tolerance and may struggle to recognise or communicate thirst — which means by the time they ask for a drink, mild dehydration has often already set in. Remember, thirst is a lagging indicator.
The signs show up quickly: fatigue, headaches, poor focus, dry skin — all of which can impact their ability to learn, move, and feel their best.
That’s why keeping water accessible and appealing throughout the day is so important. Plain water and milk will always remain the best choices for hydration, as they support dental health, avoid added sugars, and give the body what it actually needs.
At Just Bottle, we believe hydration should be simple, safe, and part of everyday routines.
That’s why our reusable bottles are designed for all-day use — easy for kids to carry, clean, and actually want to use. Because when water is always close at hand (and in a bottle they love), healthy habits stick.
Practical hydration strategies for parents
Keeping your child hydrated doesn't have to be complicated — it just takes a little planning and consistency. These small steps can make a big difference in how your child feels, learns, and performs throughout the day.
Start with a simple routine
Begin each day with a glass of water, and always send your child to school with a full, reliable water bottle. When hydration is easy and built into the routine, kids are far more likely to drink throughout the day.
Let kids choose their bottle
Children are much more likely to use something they picked out themselves. Let them choose their own Just Bottle colour — when they feel ownership, regular use becomes second nature.
Make water more fun
- Plain water doesn’t have to be boring. Add:
- A few slices of cucumber or citrus
- Fresh berries
- A sprig of mint
These natural flavour boosts make water more exciting — without the sugar or artificial sweeteners found in flavoured drinks.
Be a role model
Your habits shape theirs. Reach for your own reusable bottle regularly — it sends a powerful, silent message that hydration is a healthy, normal part of life.
Use the frozen bottle trick
Freeze your child’s bottle halfway overnight. By morning, top it off — and they’ll have cold water that stays cool all day long. It’s a small touch that makes drinking more appealing, especially in warmer months.
Include hydrating snacks
Fruits and veggies with high water content can help support hydration. Keep these handy:
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Cucumber
- Celery
They’re fun to eat, easy to pack, and support daily fluid intake.
How schools can promote healthy hydration habits
Schools play a powerful role in shaping daily habits — and hydration is no exception. By making water more accessible, normalised, and part of everyday routines, schools can help students stay focused, energised, and ready to learn.
Make access easy
Hydration improves when it's convenient. Installing bottle refill stations throughout the school makes a big difference — no one should have to walk far for a drink. Clear policies that encourage reusable bottle use in classrooms help remove barriers and keep hydration top of mind.
Time it right
Physical activity increases fluid needs, but many students only drink after PE — when they’re already behind. Scheduling short hydration breaks before and after exercise or outdoor play helps students stay properly hydrated when it matters most.
Educate for impact
Students are more likely to build habits when they understand why they matter. Simple lessons or posters connecting hydration with better focus, mood, and performance in class make that water bottle on their desk more meaningful.
Provide the right tools
Not every student has access to a quality reusable bottle. Offering school-branded bottles as part of welcome packs, health programmes, or community initiatives ensures every child is equipped — while also building school pride and a shared culture of wellness.
At Just Bottle, we support schools with durable, custom-branded bottles designed to last. They're not only practical — they help schools show real commitment to student health and sustainability.
Bonus read: What size water bottle is best for school?
Brands' role in supporting children's hydration
Encouraging kids to drink more water isn’t just a job for parents and schools — it’s something brands can help influence through thoughtful design, messaging, and access. The way a product looks and feels matters, especially for younger audiences.
Bright colours, fun features, and size-appropriate shapes make it easier for children to carry and enjoy using their bottles. Older students tend to prefer clean, more grown-up designs, so customisation options can also go a long way.
Brands are also in a great position to support education around healthy habits. By sharing easy-to-use hydration guides, classroom materials, or family-friendly tips, companies can offer real value and build trust with schools and parents alike. These resources don’t need to be complex, just helpful, clear, and supportive of daily routines.
Collaborations can make a big difference too. Co-branded bottles with schools, teams, or children’s programmes help distribute hydration tools at scale, while reinforcing positive habits through familiar branding. When kids see their school or team logo on a bottle, it creates a sense of ownership and pride, making them more likely to use it every day.
At Just Bottle, we design our kids’ bottles with durability, safety, and ease of use in mind. They’re made to last through everyday drops, lunchbox jostles, and after-school activities — all while helping reduce single-use plastic and supporting healthier routines. Because when the right tools are in place, good habits follow naturally.
Building healthier habits, one refill at a time
When kids are given the right tools — bottles they love, access to clean water, and support from the adults around them, healthy hydration becomes a habit, not a challenge. And when those tools are built to last, the impact reaches far beyond the school day.
At Just Bottle, we believe every refill is a step toward something bigger: better focus, better health, and a lighter footprint on the planet. By choosing sustainable hydration solutions, families, schools, and communities are helping raise a generation that understands the value of both personal wellbeing and environmental responsibility.
Small changes shape big futures — and it all starts with what we hand them today.
Ready to help kids stay hydrated — and protect the planet at the same time?
Explore Just Bottle’s range of durable, child-friendly, and eco-conscious water bottles. Built to last, easy to use, and designed to make healthy habits stick.
FAQ's
Why is it important for children to stay hydrated throughout the day?
Children are more vulnerable to fluid loss than adults and may not recognise thirst until they’re already mildly dehydrated. This can lead to fatigue, poor focus, and reduced performance at school. Staying hydrated supports their energy, mood, and overall health.
How can parents encourage kids to drink more water?
Simple strategies like giving children their own reusable bottle, starting the day with a glass of water, adding natural flavours like fruit slices, and being a hydration role model can help make drinking water a regular habit.
What can schools do to promote better hydration habits?
Schools can install refill stations, allow water bottles in classrooms, schedule hydration breaks, and provide educational materials. Offering reusable bottles as part of school programs also ensures every student has the tools they need.
How can brands support children’s hydration?
Brands can design kid-friendly bottles in fun colours, offer co-branded options for schools and teams, and share easy hydration resources for families. By creating appealing and accessible products, they help build lasting healthy habits.
