From the Guidelines
It is not recommended to give your 2-year-old child Propel (electrolyte-enhanced) water as a primary beverage, instead, opt for plain water or milk and consult your pediatrician for appropriate rehydration solutions in cases of illness or extreme heat. When considering hydration for a 2-year-old child, it's essential to prioritize their specific needs and the potential risks associated with certain beverages. According to the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea 1, the primary recommendation for rehydrating infants and children with mild to moderate dehydration is the use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS), not electrolyte-enhanced water like Propel.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also provides guidance on beverage consumption in young children, emphasizing the importance of breast milk, formula, and plain water, while limiting or avoiding juices and other sweetened drinks 1. These recommendations are based on the nutritional needs of children and the potential risks of excessive sugar consumption, including dental caries and digestive issues.
Propel water, being an electrolyte-enhanced beverage, is marketed towards adults engaged in intense physical activity and may not be suitable for young children. The electrolytes in Propel are not necessary for a typical toddler with a balanced diet, and the artificial sweeteners and additives may contribute to a preference for sweetened drinks and potentially affect dental health due to acidity.
In cases where a child is dehydrated or at risk of dehydration due to illness or extreme heat, it's crucial to consult with a pediatrician for guidance on appropriate rehydration solutions. The pediatrician may recommend an oral rehydration solution specifically designed for children, which can help replace lost electrolytes and fluids in a balanced and safe manner.
Some key points to consider:
- Plain water is the best choice for hydration in healthy children.
- Oral rehydration solutions are recommended for children with mild to moderate dehydration.
- Electrolyte-enhanced water like Propel is not necessary for typical toddlers with a balanced diet.
- Artificial sweeteners and additives in Propel may contribute to a preference for sweetened drinks and potentially affect dental health.
- Consult a pediatrician for guidance on rehydration solutions in cases of illness or extreme heat.
From the Research
Electrolyte-Enhanced Water for Children
There is no direct evidence to suggest the effects of giving electrolyte-enhanced water, such as Propel, to a 2-year-old child. However, some studies provide information on hydration and fluid intake in children:
- Children, especially younger ones, are susceptible to dehydration due to their physiological specificities, such as renal immaturity and relatively large skin surface 2.
- A study on vomiting and dehydration in a 2-year-old girl did not mention the use of electrolyte-enhanced water, but it highlighted the importance of fluid rehydration in treating dehydration 3.
- Another study discussed the symptoms and treatment of acute selenium poisoning in a 2-year-old child, which included parenteral fluid administration, but it did not provide information on electrolyte-enhanced water 4.
Hydration in Children
Some studies emphasize the importance of adequate fluid intake and hydration in children:
- A review of children's water intake and hydration found that most children do not meet adequate water intake recommendations, and access to safe water, availability of drinking water at school, and healthy-hydration education are areas that need improvement 2.
- A study on hydration in children highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate fluid intake and hydration for physiological reasons and for the adoption of healthy, sustainable drinking habits 5.
- The same study found that many children have highly concentrated urine, indicating insufficient fluid intake, and that low fluid intake or insufficient hydration is related to cognitive performance in children 5.