
Written by Smita Srivastava
As a parent, it is crucial to ensure that your child stays hydrated throughout the day. But, how much water should a toddler drink in a day? And, what are the other types of drinks that you can give to your toddler?
In this article, we will discuss the recommended amount of water intake for toddlers, different types of drinks that you can give to your child, and some tips to encourage them to drink more water. Additionally, we will address some frequently asked questions about toddlers and hydration.
In This Article
The amount of water a toddler needs depends on their age, weight, and activity level. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a toddler between the age of 1 to 3 years old should drink approximately 4 cups or 32 ounces of water daily.
However, keep in mind that the water requirement may vary based on the weather conditions. In hotter months, your child may require more water to keep them hydrated. Also, if your toddler is very active, they may need more water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
While water is the best drink for toddlers, you can also offer other drinks to ensure they stay hydrated. Here are some options:
Whole milk is a great option for toddlers as it contains calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients that help with bone development.
You can offer your toddler 100% fruit juice in moderation. Make sure to read the label and choose juices without added sugar. Best is to make it at home. And, please note that toddlers of 1-3 years of age should not have more than 4 ounces of juice in a day.
Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes and can help your toddler stay hydrated.
Smoothies made with fresh fruits and vegetables can be a fun and delicious way to keep your toddler hydrated.
Sometimes, getting toddlers to drink water can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help encourage them to drink more water-
Use colorful cups or straws to make drinking water more exciting for your toddler.
Drink water in front of your toddler to set a good example. ‘Toddler sees, toddler do’ so when they see you drinking water, they are very likely to follow suit.
You can add a few slices of cucumber or lemon to make the water more appealing to your child.
Offer fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, as a snack.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when getting your toddler into the habit of drinking water-
It’s essential to ensure that your toddler stays hydrated throughout the day. Encourage your child to drink water regularly and offer other drinks in moderation. With the tips mentioned in this article, you can make drinking water a fun and enjoyable habit for your toddler. If you have any concerns about your child’s hydration, it’s always best to consult with their pediatrician.
You can tell if your toddler is drinking enough water by checking the color and frequency of their urine. If your child is drinking enough water, their urine should be pale yellow or clear. Also, if your child is producing 6-8 wet diapers a day, it’s a sign that they are well hydrated.
It’s normal for toddlers to be thirsty, especially when they are active or in warm weather conditions. However, if your toddler is excessively thirsty, it could be a sign of a medical condition such as diabetes. If you’re concerned, it’s best to consult your child’s pediatrician.
A 2-year-old should drink approximately 4 cups or 32 ounces of water a day, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, keep in mind that the water requirement may vary based on your child’s weight, activity level, and weather conditions.
With a background in Mass media and journalism, Smita comes with rich and vast experience in content creation, curation, and editing. As a mom of a baby girl, she is an excellent candidate for writing and editing parenting and pregnancy content. The content she writes and edits is influenced by her own journey through pregnancy and motherhood. When not writing- She can be found curled up with a book. Or, bingeing on Netflix.Read more.
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