How Much Water Should a Toddler Drink (Plus Tips to Encourage It)
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. |
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