Toddlers are famously fussy eaters — and they may also be finicky drinkers at times, depending on their age.
While some toddlers are willing to carry their sippy cups about all day (filling them up with too much liquid and not enough nutrient-dense meals), others turn their noses up at the first scent of cow's milk, making it even more difficult for them to receive adequate calcium and protein.
Think like Goldilocks and the Three Bears when it comes to calculating how much liquid to give your developing kid – don't give them too much or too little, just the right amount!
How much should my toddler drink in a day?
Although the quantities might fluctuate, the following should serve as a general guideline for your toddler's overall daily hydration needs:
- 1 to 4 glasses of water and 2 to 3 cups of milk for toddlers between the ages of 12 and 24 months
- 1 to 5 glasses of water and 2 1/2 cups of milk each child between the ages of 2 and 5.
What are the only two fluids that toddlers require? Milk and plain old H20 are the only things you need. Taking measurements of his fluids in the morning and serving them throughout the day will allow you to keep track of how much he's consuming.
Keep sugar-sweetened beverages such as sports drinks, sodas, and lemonade out of your child's reach. This includes 100 percent juice and flavoured milk, which may contain some vitamins but may be heavy in sugar.
How much milk should my kid consume?
Children should consume 2 to 3 cups (or 16 to 24 ounces (oz)) of whole milk per day between the ages of one and two, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. At this age, children need more fat in their diets to help them grow and develop their bodies and minds.
If you have a family history of obesity or heart disease, however, you should consult with your physician about whether you should provide low-fat or 2 percent milk instead of whole milk instead.
When children are between the ages of 2 and 5, they should consume around 2 to 2.5 cups of milk per day, with the majority of them switching to low-fat (1 percent) or nonfat (skim) milk.
Milk, in addition to providing healthful lipids, also contains calcium, protein, vitamins A and D, and zinc.
Infants and toddlers shouldn't consume alternative (or plant-based) milks unless they have a dairy allergy or milk intolerance. Alternative (or plant-based) milk, such as almond, cashew, rice, oat, or hemp milk, often have fewer protein and calories than cow's milk. To provide your kid with a vegetarian choice that is not derived from animals, soy is regarded as a suitable replacement.
Keep in mind, though, that your kid may be consuming an excessive amount of a healthy item. It is possible that toddlers who drink a lot of milk are filling up on liquids and not eating enough solid meals, which might lead them to be deficient in vital elements such as iron. The absence of iron in milk is a good thing. Not obtaining enough iron may result in academic and behavioural issues, as well as iron deficiency anaemia, which is a serious condition (a lack of red blood cells).
How much should my toddler drink in a day?
Starting at the age of one, children should drink between one and four cups (eight to 32 ounces) of water every day. From the time they reach their second birthday, children should drink one to five cups (40 oz) of water every day.
The greatest thing to give your child when he's thirsty is plain old H20, particularly if he's hungry between meals and wants something to drink. Apart from the fact that water is better on your child's stomach and teeth than juice and other liquids, by encouraging him to acquire a liking for it now, you will be setting a precedent for good habits in the future.
How much juice should my toddler drink?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers between the ages of one and three should restrict their juice consumption to no more than half a cup (4 oz) each day, or less (AAP). Juice is often high in sugar, which is not only difficult on a growing child's stomach but may also increase the likelihood of developing cavities.
Furthermore, children who consume an excessive amount of juice throughout the day may be consuming an excessive amount of calories while consuming insufficient nutrients - a practise that may lead to poor nutrition.
Keep juices branded "fruit drinks" and "fruit beverages" out of your child's reach. "100 percent fruit juice," on the other hand, has more vitamins (and fewer sugars and chemicals) than juices labelled "fruit drinks" and "fruit beverages." Add water to fruit juice if you want to dilute it more.
Even better: Encouraging your child to consume entire fruit, which is high in fibre and other beneficial nutrients, is ideal.
The best way to get a toddler to drink more fluids
Do you have trouble getting your child to drink enough water during the day? The most effective method of encouraging a toddler to drink water and milk is to sip from it yourself. Children learn by seeing their parents and caregivers, so try to have a water bottle with you at all times so that you may drink from it throughout the day.
Also, you may coax him to drink water from a unique sippy cup that he chose himself by placing it in his hands. When it comes to milk, though, your child may benefit from drinking from a standard cup rather than a bottle (bottle drinkers are more likely to overindulge in liquids since they are so convenient to tote about all day).
Also, remember that drinking from a cup is a learning process, so anticipate lots of drips and spills along the road as you become used to it. If you prefer the spill-proof convenience of a sippy cup, simply be sure to restrict his usage of it and provide him with conventional cups instead. This will prevent it from becoming habit-forming (like the bottle did!).
Instead of plain old water, try infusing it with lemon or berries, or provide him with fruits and vegetables that are rich in water content, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries to keep him hydrated. Yes, foods do count as well!
Try to get him to consume enough alcohol, but avoid driving yourself insane in the process. The weather, his mood, his level of exercise, and his appetite may all have an impact on how much he consumes on a daily basis.
