“Many parents come to me worried about their child’s frequent urine infections, swelling, or tiredness – and in many cases, it starts with something as simple as not drinking enough water,” says Dr. Ankur Kothari, one of the leading pediatric nephrologists in Ahmedabad and Gujarat.

Parents often ask him, “My child doesn’t drink much water. Is it really such a big issue?”

The answer is yes. 

As parents, we worry about our child’s diet, screen time, sleep — but how often do we think about how much water they drink?

For children, water is not just for quenching thirst – it’s vital for their kidney health. Kidneys are like natural filters. They clean the blood, remove toxins, and keep the body’s fluids balanced. 

When children don’t drink enough water, the kidneys work harder, which can lead to urinary infections, swelling, or even kidney stones over time.

The good news? 

Most of these problems are preventable if parents help their children develop good water-drinking habits.

So, how much water does your child really need? And what should you watch out for? 

Here’s a complete guide to keeping your child’s kidneys healthy with proper hydration. But, let’s first understand why it’s so important?

Why Drinking Enough Water Is So Important for Kids

Water isn’t just for thirst — it’s fuel for the kidneys. 

As you already know that these small but powerful organs are responsible for filtering waste, controlling blood pressure, and balancing fluids and minerals. 

But to do their job well, kidneys need enough water.

Here’s what proper hydration helps with:

✅ Flushes toxins – Water allows the kidneys to clean the blood and remove waste through urine.

✅ Prevents infections – Dehydration can cause urine to become concentrated, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow, leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs).

✅ Reduces the risk of kidney stones – Water dilutes the minerals in urine and helps prevent them from turning into painful stones.

✅ Keeps kidneys from overworking – Low fluid intake can force the kidneys to work harder, leading to swelling and long-term stress.

Children are more prone to dehydration than adults — especially during hot weather, illnesses, or playtime — which is why developing the habit of drinking water early is so important.

How Much Water Should Children Drink Daily?

Now that we know why hydration matters, let’s look at how much water does your child actually need every day? 

It depends on their age, size, and how active they are. Dr. Ankur suggests these simple daily targets for healthy kidneys:

Age	Water Needed Per Day
1–3 years	About 4–5 glasses (~1 litre)
4–8 years	Around 5–6 glasses (~1.2 litres)
9–13 years	7–8 glasses (~1.6–1.9 litres)
14–18 years	8–10 glasses (~1.9–2.3 litres)

Notes: 

• This includes water, milk, and other healthy fluids (not sugary drinks or sodas).
• Children may need more water during summer, after physical activity, or when they are unwell.

Many parents wait until their child says they’re thirsty — but thirst is a late sign of dehydration. It’s better to make water a regular part of their day, not just something they ask for.

Now, you might be wondering — even if I offer water regularly, how do I know if my child is actually drinking enough? 

Let’s look at some of the most common warning signs of dehydration parents should watch out for.

How to Know If Your Child Isn’t Drinking Enough

Even if you’re offering water regularly, your child might still not be drinking enough. 

Kids don’t always tell us when something is wrong, but their body gives us clear signs. 

Watch out for these early signs of dehydration:

• Dark yellow or strong-smelling urine
• Dry lips or dry mouth
• Tiredness, crankiness, or unusual irritability
• Swelling or puffiness around the eyes
• Fewer wet diapers in babies or less frequent urination in older kids

If you notice these signs often — especially if they come with urinary complaints or constant fatigue — don’t ignore them. 

It’s best to talk to your pediatrician or find one with a simple search like “pediatric nephrologist near me” on browser, and if the symptoms persist, consult a pediatric nephrologist to rule out any kidney-related problems.

“Sometimes, parents think their child is just dehydrated, but it turns out to be an early kidney issue. The earlier we catch it, the easier it is to treat,” says Dr. Ankur Kothari.

When to See a Pediatric Nephrologist

Most children feel better once they start drinking enough water, but sometimes dehydration is a sign of something more serious. 

If your child keeps showing the same signs again and again — like puffiness around the eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness — it may not just be about low water intake.

You should consult a pediatric nephrologist without delay if:

• The signs don’t improve even after proper hydration suggested by your doctor
• There are frequent urinary infections
• Swelling, foamy urine, or blood in urine appears
• Your child feels constantly tired or is not growing as expected

Early treatment can prevent long-term kidney problems and keep your child healthy and active.

Final Takeaway for Parents

Water may seem like a small thing, but it plays a big role in keeping your child’s kidneys healthy. 

Make sure they drink enough water every day, and keep an eye on early warning signs like swelling, tiredness, or unusual urine changes.

If you ever feel something isn’t right, don’t wait or try to manage it at home. Consulting a doctor early can prevent serious kidney problems later.

At Apple Children Hospital Ahmedabad, our team is dedicated to keeping children’s kidneys healthy. Dr. Ankur Kothari, one of the best pediatric nephrologists in Ahmedabad and Gujarat, has helped many children recover and grow healthier with the right treatment at the right time.

Healthy kidneys today mean a healthier future for your child.