How To Get Toddler To Drink Water

Let's face it. It is difficult to get a toddler to drink water. First, toddlers dislike the taste of plain water, and second, they have no idea about its benefits. As a parent, you must be concerned if your toddler is not drinking water. This article will provide you with tips and tricks on how to go about it. But first, how much water should your little one take every day? Read on to find out.

Recommended Water Intake For Toddlers

The American Academy Of Pediatrics recommends 8-32 ounces of water a day for toddlers aged 1-2 years. Toddlers at this age dehydrate pretty fast on hot weather days, and they are less likely to complain of thirst. Besides, they are super energetic and love to run around.

Since your toddler may not tell you when he is dehydrated, watch out for:

Signs of fatigue and moodiness
Peeing less than 6-8 times a day
Dark-colored urine
Dry and cracked lips
Sunken eyes and no tears when crying

To eliminate chances of dehydration in your toddler, look into the following tips and tricks to get her drinking more water.

How To Get Your Toddler To Drink More Water

Let Them Own A Water Bottle Or Sippy Cup

According to WebMD, you can get your toddler to drink more water by asking them to choose a water bottle or sissy cup. The sippy cup could feature their favorite cartoon theme. Alternatively, you could decorate a plain water bottle with stickers that fascinate your baby. They could include monster trucks, princesses, dinosaurs, or whatever your child loves. Once you have a colorful water bottle or sissy cup, make a habit of carrying it wherever your toddler goes. If your child loves having her teddy with her, make the water bottle a new bestie too.

Incorporate Games When Drinking

Toddlers love playing games, and you can use this to your advantage. Use fun and games when drinking water. You could play peek-a-boo, and when your toddler says Peekaboo, sip water and make a funny face. Alternate turns and have your baby do the same. You will be surprised to learn how effective games can make your toddler drink more water.

Have A Routine

You could also incorporate water drinking opportunities in your toddler's daily routine. Drinking water could be the first thing your baby does when he wakes up or the last before he gets to bed. Alternatively, you could include drinking water after your baby brushes his teeth, during meals, or after playing outside. According to Natural Baby Life, sticking to this routine will ensure your baby stays hydrated throughout the day.

Whenever Your Baby Is Thirsty, Offer Water

Always have a cup of water ready when your toddler is running around in hot weather. Besides, offer water when you notice he has been sweating out his muscles. In time, your baby will associate water with quenching thirst and in the process, drink more.

Practice What You Preach

Toddlers unconsciously pick their parents' behavior. If you are asking your baby to drink water while you consume energy drinks, soft drinks, or juice; chances are, he will not be interested in water. It's time you started the 'monkey see monkey do' approach. Let your baby see you drink water and in time, he will also want to practice the same.

Include Fruits And Vegetables

Did you know some fruits and vegetables contain 90% of water? These fruits and veggies will help keep your child hydrated. They include watermelons, strawberries, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, and cucumbers. When your toddler eats these veggies and fruits and a little water, they will be taking more water without their knowledge.

Flavor Water

If you are having difficulty getting your toddler to drink plain water, incorporate flavor in it. You could use a combination of veggies such as lemon and cucumber; or ginger and mint. According to New Idea, these veggies will not only add taste to the drinking water but are also providing antioxidants. Make the exercise more interesting by asking your child to pick his favorite veggies. The feeling of being in charge will encourage your toddler to try new things, which in this case is drinking water.

Alternatively, you could add fruits to plain water. Get creative and involve your toddler in the activity. You could ask her to add fresh fruit slices or frozen fruits to the water. Most toddlers prefer grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and mint. You could also add fruit juice to achieve a pleasant taste. When adding flavor to your toddler's drinking water, remember the goal is to get them to drink more.

Include Other Healthy Fluid Intake Alternatives

According to Parents, soups, smoothies, herbal teas, and yogurts can increase your toddler's daily intake. Therefore, include them in your baby's diet. They should not serve as an alternative to drinking water but as a boost to their water intake.

With the above tips and tricks, it should not feel impossible to get your toddler to drink more water.

NEXT: Can Toddlers Drink Sparkling Water?

Sources: AAP, Parents, New Idea, WebMD, Natural Baby Life.

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