Fluid needs

[LaurieG]

Hopefully this is an easy question - Just wondering how to determine how much fluid my child needs.  She has some kidney issues, so I know she needs on the upper end of the normal range for her age/ size.  Up until recently we've worked it out that I give her drinks when she asks for them and sometimes offer if she isn't asking and that has seemed to be fine.  But twice now in the past week she has gotten very dehydrated so I think I need to establish a fluid routine and just curious what to shoot for.  The pediatrician's office said 1 3/4 liters which is nearly 60 oz which seems like a very large amount for a 30lb 4 yr old.  I'm wondering if maybe I misheard and now their office is closed.  Looking online there seems to be a very wide range of what is being suggested.  Anyone have a target goal for their child and want to compare?

TIA!

[FarmerBeth]

I think what your doctor said sounds about right.  I have kidney disease (from SLE), and I've worked with kids with kidney disease.  The 60oz is only 7.5 real cups.  Most drinking glasses are really about 1.5-2 cups, so you have to picture 7.5 juice glasses like what you would get in a hospital.  At four years and 30lbs, you're daughter is probably having three small meals and two medium snacks.  That would work to one glass of water with each meal/snack plus one in the morning and one at night, which seems like a pretty reasonable to follow routine.  Hope that helps!