How Much Water Do Kids Need?

July 24, 2012 with 0 Comments

As the weather heats up many moms struggle to know if they are giving their little ones enough water throughout the day. A great way to be sure you are getting your little one tons of opportunities to get fluids! Remember to leave a sippy cup or bottle out for them to grab at all times. Most little ones will not ask but they will remember to sip if it is available. Also providing snacks that are moisture rich is a great solution.

Remember to keep on top of them and you in the hot weather! Many moms forget to hydrate them selves through out the day… especially if breastfeeding. Keep your water bottle around, keep it cool and if you aren’t a water drinker add a little flavor! Dehydration can cause dry mouth, headaches, sleepiness, and dizziness in adults and fussiness in infants and toddlers.

So, how much do toddlers need to drink each day?

Children 12 to 36 months old need about 5 cups (44 ounces) of fluid per day. This amount varies based on your child’s size, how active your child is, and even the temperature outside.
2 to 3 cups cow’s milk or its equivalent: Toddlers under age 2 need 2 to 3 cups. Toddlers age 2 and up need 2 cups.
1 to 2½ cups other drinks: This can come from beverages other than milk that your child likes, such as water and juice.
1 to 1½ cups fluid in food: Surprisingly, foods like fruit, yogurt, and rice contain a fair amount of water, and it counts toward the daily requirement for fluid.

Water Consumption for Breastfed Babies vs Formula Babies

According to Dr. Sears, “Breastfeeding babies do not need extra water, though formula-fed babies often do. Your breast milk contains enough water for your baby, even in hot, dry climates. Formula contains higher concentrations of salts and minerals than breast milk does, so that extra water is often necessary for the kidneys to excrete the extra salt. Also, because of less efficient metabolism, formula-fed infants lose more water. ” Dr. Sears

Water Warnings

“Use extreme caution when offering infants water. Infants who drink too much water may come down with Water Intoxication. For children under 1 year old – and especially during the first nine months of life – drinking too much water may be a dangerous practice.”

“In fact, according to pediatricians like James P. Keating, MD, medical director of the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Diagnostic Center, “too much water dilutes a baby’s normal sodium levels and can lead to seizures, coma, brain damage and death.” Wholesome Baby Food

So how do you keep your little one hydrated? Do you have concerns about juice consumption and your infants teeth?