How To Make Toddler Drink More Water And Meet Hydration Goals

Being well-hydrated benefits every part of the body. It helps with weight loss, memory, cognitive functioning, circulation and keeping bones and teeth healthy. Hence, it’s important for a toddler to drink more water so they can meet their hydration goals. Read on to find out more.

How Much Water Does A Toddler Need?

This amount depends on a child’s needs as per their age, sex, and activity level.

It’s best to aim for around two to four cups of water per day for toddlers ages one to three years. Along with their milk intake and the fluids in their foods, this amount will provide enough liquid to meet their needs.

Tips To Make Toddlers Drink Water

Begin with Yourself

One of the best ways to teach your child healthy hydration habits is to show the behaviour yourself. When you stay away from sugar-based drinks or juices and mostly drink plain water, it shows your children what healthy hydration looks like in practice.

Keep Water Accessible

Make your toddler drink more water by making it easy to access. Get water bottles in children’s sizes so they have an easier time holding them and keeping them in hand throughout the day. 

Make Drinking Water Fun

Get things like fun, colourful straws or sippy cups to make toddlers drink water. These gear can make drinking water more attractive to your child. 

You can set up a station with water bottles, straws, a drip-free pitcher and cups for your child to hydrate themselves whenever they want. Giving your child agency and choice in their own hydration makes it a complete learning process while teaching them how to listen to their bodies. 

If your child doesn’t like the taste of water compared to juice, try making fun ice cubes out of frozen fruits to change the flavour. You can even add nonfrozen fruit or herbs to create infused water. 

Limit Sugary Drinks and Juices

As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should avoid giving your child any sugary drinks before the age of two. This includes sodas, whole fruit juices and sports hydration drinks. 

A child between the ages of one and three should not have more than four ounces of juice in a day. While older children can have more juice, it should be the option if whole fruits are not available.

Toddlers should have two primary beverages which include water and milk. With this combination of healthy drinks, they can get all the hydration they need.

You can set a goal of two to four cups of water per day from ages one to three. So if you’re wondering how to make toddlers drink water try out these simple tips that are effective too.

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