How Much Water Should a Toddler Drink (Plus Tips to Encourage It)
Published: February 18, 2026
Last Updated: February 18, 2026
After the first birthday, toddlers need to drink water daily to stay hydrated and healthy, but how much water do they need? Our pediatric pros explain how much water toddlers should drink and what to do when your toddler is not drinking enough.
Need help starting solids? The Solid Starts App can help you navigate first bites and beyond. Start your free trial.
Key Points
✔ Toddlers need around 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of water per day
Toddlers often need to drink more when they’re active or warm. They can safely drink up to 32 fluid ounces (960 mL) daily after 12 months of age.
✔ Water should be offered on its own in addition to milk feeds
Breast milk and formula can continue to support a toddler’s hydration, but it is important to offer water on its own so they can get into the habit of regularly drinking it as they gradually wean.
✔ Keep water easily accessible to your toddler
Easy access to water helps build the habit of drinking it and fosters their independence, letting them quench their thirst when they need a drink.
How Much Water Should Toddlers Drink
Water is essential for toddlers after their first birthday. Breast milk and formula still count as sources of hydration, but toddlers need to get into the habit of drinking water daily to help meet their hydration needs at this age. At minimum, toddlers need 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of water per day, which is equal to one cup, in addition to any breast milk and formula they are drinking. On days when they are very active or the weather is warm, you can offer up to 32 ounces (about 960 mL). Some children may drink slightly more or less based on their individual needs.
At 12 months of age, toddlers often need to slowly work toward consuming the minimum 8 fluid ounces per day. We recommend keeping water easily accessible during the day, and always offering water with meals and snacks. Easy access to water helps build the habit of drinking it and fosters their independence, letting them quench their thirst when they need a drink.
There are many other ways to get toddlers to drink more water, and you can experiment to see what works for your child.
Daily Water Intake for Toddlers | |
Age | Quantity Per Day |
12-24 months | At least 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) and up to 32 fluid ounces (960 mL) |
2-5 years | At least 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) and up to 40 fluid ounces (~ 1000 mL) |
How to Get Toddlers to Drink More Water
There are lots of different strategies to get your toddler into a routine of drinking water daily, but one of the best ways is to model how it’s done. Toddlers build habits through repetition and imitation of their caregivers. When they see you regularly drinking water each day, they are more likely to follow your lead.
Remember: it is normal for some toddlers to drink more water each day, while others drink less. Honor their thirst cues and do not pressure them to drink more than they are interested in drinking.
Tips to Get Toddlers to Drink Water | |
Strategy | Why It Works |
Keep it within reach | Keep water available all day long so it's available when they're thirsty. |
Be a role model | Toddlers are more likely to drink water if they see their parents and caregivers drinking water. To build this habit, try setting a timer on your phone or watch to go off every 90 minutes for a few days. When the timer goes off, stop what you are doing, find your water cup, and take a few sips. |
Water at every meal | Toddlers thrive on routine and tend to drink more water when you build the habit whenever you eat. |
Cheers when drinking | Toddlers love a game, especially one that involves you. |
Special water bottle | Gives them a sense of ownership and a task: fill it up when it's empty, add ice, replace the lid! |
Fun cups | Choosing their own cup helps increase the likelihood that they'll drink at meal and snack time. |
Squiggly straws | Toddlers are naturally drawn to the new and unexpected, like the novelty of using a funny straw. |
Try different temps | Some toddlers prefer ice cold water, while others like water to be room temperature. Either works! |
Healthy mix-ins | Toddlers love choice so let them choose a mix-in: mint, lime, or cucumber. Fresh or frozen works! |
Limit sugary drinks | Regularly drinking juice and soda decrease their motivation to drink water when they're thirsty. |
Honor their cues | Do not pressure them to drink more water than they are interested in drinking to avoid negativity. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should toddlers drink?
Toddlers should drink at least 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of water each day. When they are thirsty for more, offer more. Toddlers can safely drink up to 32 fluid ounces (960 mL) per day.
Does breast milk count as water intake?
Yes, but ideally, they are drinking water in addition to breast milk each day. This gets them into the habit of drinking water when they are thirsty. To help them get there, regularly offer water with meals and snacks. You can help them slowly work toward drinking more water as they eat more solid foods and drink less breast milk.
If I am breastfeeding, does my toddler still need water?
Yes. A breastfed toddler needs to be offered water daily to help them build the habit of drinking water daily.
After 12 months, should I have water available throughout the day?
Yes. Keep water available throughout the day so it’s readily available for your toddler to quench their thirst. One way to help build the habit is to let your toddler choose a special water bottle that they can keep nearby all day. For older toddlers, you can also tap into their natural desire to “help” by letting them fill up the water by themselves in the morning and when it is empty.
What is the best toddler water cup? What is the best toddler water bottle?
The best toddler cup or water bottle is easy to hold, easy to clean, and ideally, spill-proof. Check out our reviews of the Best Cups for Babies for our favorite models for both at the table and on-the-go.
Can toddlers drink sparkling water?
A drink of sparkling water here or there is fine, but carbonated beverages can lead to bloating, gas, and reflux. These symptoms usually resolve within a couple of hours.
Why won’t my toddler drink water?
Sometimes toddlers need a little nudge to drink more water. To get them interested, try engaging them in different ways. You can let them pick a favorite cup to put on the table at meal or snack time. You can let them pour water on their own or with a little help from you. You can let them choose mix-ins like berries, lime juice, or mint leaves. You can offer a straw—or let them drink from your straw. The more choice and control you give them, the more likely they are to explore, touch, and hopefully, drink. Check out more ideas to get toddlers to drink more water.
How to tell if my toddler is getting enough water?
You can tell if your toddler is getting enough hydration by monitoring the number of wet diapers and their energy levels. Toddlers typically produce 4 to 6 full, wet diapers every 24 hours.
Signs of possible dehydration include:
lower energy
decreased wet diapers or urination
dry mouth and/or chapped lips
few to no tears when crying
sunken eyes
dark urine color
fussiness
excessive sleepiness
changes in behavior
dyscoordination
If you suspect your toddler may be dehydrated, talk to your doctor right away.
Toddler not peeing but drinking?
A toddler drinking fluids but not peeing for 12 hours or more is a warning sign of possible dehydration. Talk to your doctor right away.
Why is my toddler drinking so much water?
It is normal for toddlers to drink more water after lots of play, in warm weather, or during a growth spurt. They can safely drink up to 32 fluid ounces (960 mL) each day. Some toddlers may drink slightly more or less based on their individual needs. If a toddler regularly drinks a lot of water, it may be a sign of an underlying issue and you should talk to your doctor.
How do I know if my toddler is drinking too much water?
While uncommon, signs of overhydration or water intoxication include:
nausea
fatigue
vomiting
excessive number of wet diapers (more than 8 per day) or urination
confusion
change in behavior
If you suspect your toddler may be overhydrated, talk to your doctor right away.
Written By
V. Kalami, MNSP, RD, CSP, Board-Certified Pediatric Dietitian & Nutritionist
K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT, Feeding & Swallowing Specialist
K. Rappaport, OTR/L, MS, SCFES, IBCLC, Feeding & Swallowing Specialist
R. Ruiz, MD, FAAP, Board-Certified General Pediatrician & Pediatric Gastroenterologist
M. Suarez, MS, OTR/L, SWC, CLEC, PMH-C, Feeding & Swallowing Specialist
¿Listo/a para empezar?
Descarga la app para empezar el viaje.
Consejos de expertos directo a tu bandeja de entrada
¡Suscríbete y recibe correos semanales con recetas, consejos y más!
Copyright © 2026 • Solid Starts Inc