In short, for healthy children under normal circumstances, it is not
recommended and often inadvisable to make a habit of drinking salt water.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pros, cons, and important considerations.

  1. Puts Strain on the Kidneys

    • A child’s kidneys are still developing and are not as efficient as an adult’s at processing excess salt (sodium).
    • Consistently consuming extra salt forces the kidneys to work harder, which can be a burden and is not beneficial for long-term kidney health.

  2. Leads to Excessive Sodium Intake

    • Modern diets often contain hidden sodium in everyday meals, snacks (like crackers, chips, and sausages), and processed foods.
    • Adding salt water on top of this can easily lead to sodium intake exceeding recommended limits, potentially increasing the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life.

  3. Can Cause Dehydration and Thirst

    • Consuming too much salt disrupts the body’s fluid balance. The body pulls water from its cells into the bloodstream to dilute the sodium, which can actually make your child feel thirstier.
    • If they don’t drink enough plain water, this can worsen dehydration.

  4. Affects Taste Preference Development

    • Introducing salty flavors too early or too strongly can predispose children to a preference for “salty” tastes, making them more likely to choose high-sodium foods as they grow older, which is detrimental to establishing healthy eating habits.

When Is It Acceptable or Necessary for a Child to Drink Salt Water?

While not recommended daily, there are specific situations where a saline
solution (or more accurately, an Oral Rehydration Solution - ORS) is
necessary and beneficial:

  1. After Heavy Sweating

    • Scenario: After prolonged play in hot weather or intense physical sports where the child has sweated profusely.
    • Reason: Sweat loses both water and electrolytes (primarily sodium and potassium). Drinking only plain water replaces the fluid but not the lost electrolytes, which in rare cases can lead to “water intoxication” (hyponatremia).
    • Correct Approach: In this case, you can offer a very weak saline solution (approximately 0.2-0.3 grams of salt per 100ml of water—it should barely taste salty) or a commercial sports drink. However, the best option is to purchase Oral Rehydration Solution from a pharmacy, as it has a scientifically balanced formula.

  2. During Illness with Diarrhea or Vomiting

    • Scenario: When a child is sick with acute diarrhea or vomiting.
    • Reason: These illnesses cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes, leading to a high risk of dehydration.
    • Correct Approach: It is crucial to never give just plain water or a homemade strong salt solution in this situation. You must use a pharmacy-purchased Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS-III) as directed by a doctor. This is the most effective and safest way to rehydrate and replace lost electrolytes.

Summary and Key Recommendations

  1. For Daily Life: Plain water is the best drink for children. Ensure
    they drink an adequate amount of fresh water every day.
  2. Diet Control: Pay attention to the “hidden” salt in your child’s daily
    diet and limit their intake of processed and packaged snacks.
  3. For Special Circumstances:
    • After heavy sweating: A very weak salt solution or a sports drink is acceptable, but Oral Rehydration Solution is the top choice.
    • During illness-induced dehydration (diarrhea/vomiting): Always use a pharmacy-grade “Oral Rehydration Solution” under a doctor’s guidance. Do not attempt to make your own.

In a nutshell: For the vast majority of healthy children, drinking salt water
is more harmful than beneficial. Encouraging a habit of drinking plain water and
maintaining a balanced, low-sodium diet is the healthiest choice for your
child.

If you have any specific concerns about your child’s hydration or health, it is
always best to consult a pediatrician for professional advice.