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It’s highly important for toddlers to stay hydrated. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, few wet nappies, and few or no tears when crying.
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There are numerous ways you can encourage your toddler to drink more water such as making it fun and appealing, letting them copy off you, adding natural sweeteners such as cucumber or lemon to the water, and by encouraging independence.
Water plays a vital role in a child’s development - supporting digestion, brain function, temperature regulation, and energy levels. Yet, keeping toddlers well-hydrated can sometimes feel like a daily battle.
The good news? There are plenty of simple tricks to encourage your toddler to drink more water.
How much water should my baby drink?
When thinking about water intake, it's important to note that water can come from foods as well as drinks.
Drinks account for about 80% of fluid intake, while food (such as fruits, vegetables, and milk) accounts for another 20%.
Water vs milk for toddler hydration
Water and milk are both important for your toddlers but they serve different roles.
Water is the main source of hydration, helping regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration, and milk provides hydration plus essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, protein, and healthy fats for growth and bone development.
Babies under 6 months should only drink milk, and for those between 6-12 months, milk should still be their main source of hydration with added water alongside mealtimes.
Can a toddler drink too much water?
Yes, it is possible for a toddler to drink too much water. Drinking excessive amounts of water can lead to a condition called water intoxication. Toddlers would have to drink an excessive amount of water to get this, but it’s always best to be mindful of how much they drink and stick to the recommended guidelines.
Signs of dehydration in toddlers
Being able to recognise the signs of dehydration in toddlers is important for their health. Here are some of the biggest signs your toddler will show when dehydrated:
- Few wet nappies and very dark urine
- Sunken eyes
- Few or no tears when crying
- Drowsy and irritable
- Tiredness
What to do if your toddler is refusing water
It’s a common situation as many toddlers go through phases where they refuse water. There are several things you can do like offer them water in different ways, offer natural alternatives, and make it fun.
We’ve listed our top tips on how to encourage your toddler to drink more water below but remember it’s important to be aware of the signs of dehydration and seek help from healthcare professionals if they’re still refusing water.
7 tips to encourage your toddler to drink more water
Children under the age of 5 should get plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
If you are looking for ways to get your toddler to drink more water, here are some helpful tips to boost your child’s hydration through drinking.
1. Make water fun and appealing
Young children are more likely to drink water if it feels exciting and fun. Invest in colourful toddler-friendly cups and let your little one pick their favourite design, such as animals, characters, or even personalised with their name, as a way to motivate them.
You could also use fun-shaped ice cubes or add a little sparkle with reusable glittery straws.
2. Lead by example
Children love to copy their parents. If they regularly see you sipping water throughout the day, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Make it a family habit - even a little “cheers!” before drinking can make water feel like part of a fun routine.
3. Offer naturally-flavoured water alternatives
If plain water isn’t winning them over, try adding a little natural flavour. Slices of fruit such as strawberries, oranges, or cucumber can give water a refreshing twist without added sugar.
Avoid sugary drinks for as long as possible so that the option isn’t there for them to prefer them.
4. Build water into routines
Consistency helps children develop healthy habits. Offer water at key times, such as first thing in the morning, alongside meals, after play, and before bed.
By making it frequent and part of the routine (not just when they ask), your little one will start to expect it and it won’t seem as forced, meaning less fuss.
5. Encourage independence
Toddlers love to feel in charge. Get them involved when buying the bottle so it feels like their choice, let them help pour water into their own cup (with a bit of supervision), and give them the task of carrying it when you’re out and about.
Offering praise for drinking water - without nagging - can give them an extra boost of motivation.
6. Keep it accessible
Sometimes toddlers simply forget to drink unless water is within reach. Keep a cup of water nearby during playtime and always pack a bottle when leaving the house. Having easy access makes it more likely they’ll drink without being prompted.
7. Make it a game
Turn water breaks into something fun. Use a sticker chart to track how many cups they’ve had, or set little challenges: “Can you finish your cup before we finish this story?” Music timers or playful reminders can also make it more engaging.
Is it normal for a toddler to prefer juice over water?
Absolutely! Sweet flavours are naturally going to appeal to your littles ones. However, you should try not give your toddler too much juice as it may lead to them refusing water all together. Too much juice can lead to excessive sugar intake and a reduced appetite.
Hydrating foods for toddlers who don’t drink water
If your toddler is refusing water, there are a number of foods you can give them to help with hydration:
- Fruit such as watermelon, berries, oranges, grapes, and pineapple
- Vegetables such as cucumber, celery, leafy greens, and tomatoes
- Yoghurt
- Soup
- Ice lollies
Things to avoid when trying to get your toddler to drink more water
Some habits can make it harder for toddlers to accept water:
- Too much milk or juice can reduce their thirst or interest for water.
- They may prefer water at a certain temperature – experiment to see if they like it chilled or room temperature.
- Pressuring or forcing them to drink can backfire – gentle encouragement works best.
Helping a toddler drink more water can take patience, but small, consistent changes really do add up.
Celebrate little successes and keep experimenting until you find what works best for your child.
And of course, if you’re ever worried about your child’s hydration or health, it’s always worth speaking with a GP or health visitor.
