How to Keep a Toddler Hydrated When She Won't Drink

Its crucial to keep your toddler hydrated throughout the day, especially when she is active or it's hot outside. This can be difficult to do when she's constantly on the go and doesn't want to stop to eat or drink. According to nonprofit health organization Kids Health, dehydration can occur in a child before she even realizes that she's thirsty, which is why it's so important to ensure that she has an adequate liquid intake every day. There are different methods you can try to encourage your toddler to drink more often.

Instructions

    • 1

      Feed her foods with high water content. It's possible to get hydration in food as well as by drinking water. Foods that are high in water content include fruits such as grape and watermelon along or vegetables such as cucumber and celery. These all have a water content of at least 90 percent.

    • 2

      Offer her different liquids. She might not be a fan of plain water. You might need to add a low or no-calorie sweetener or offer her 100 percent fruit juice to meet her hydration needs. Milk is another option to keep her hydrated, and it is full of calcium to keep growing bones strong.

    • 3

      Give her flavored ice. Flavored ice pops on a stick or in a squeezable tube are fun for her to eat and tasty too. Purchase fruit ice, or make your own with fruit juice. Be cautious and watch the calorie count when buying popsicles, since some are nothing but flavored sugar water. Sticks can also pose a hazard for young children.

    • 4

      Give her a different cup. Some children are finicky and have a strong preference for one type of cup over another. Provide her with a sippy cup or offer a different type of spout to encourage her to drink more often. You can also try taking her to the store with you to pick out a cup to drink out of that features her favorite character, color or decoration.

    • 5

      Lead by example. Your toddler wants to be just like mommy and if she sees you drinking water often, she might try to mimic your behavior.

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