Getting my child to drink more liquids? Asking this question again because I only got 2 answers before...?

Question

My 1 year old daughter won't drink very much during the day. She hasn't had a bottle since 9 months and drinks from sippie cups, cups with straws, etc. I have tried everything...milk, juice, water, etc. to get her to drink more. I even sit her on my lap before each meal and make sure she drinks at least 3-4 ounces. I also have put a sippie cup of water in her crib with her at night and during naps. Anyone have any other suggestions to get her to drink more? I have noticed that her diapers are not wet as much as they were in the past and I am concerned.

I have tried several different cups...a nubie cup, a regular sippie cup, a straw cuppie...she still won't drink that much.

Oh, and I ALWAYS have her sippie cup available to her during the day. There is always one on the floor with her toys.

Answer 1

My little girl did the same thing and I found if she saw me take a sip then she would drink it and I did this for a few weeks and she then got into drinking her drink on her own with out me having to act like I was taken a sip from her drink.
Good Luck

Answer 2

My daughter has always been one to gulp down two or three sippy cups of milk if you let her, so I dont know too much about this problem and what you can do about it... but I've read that when children cut back on drinking milk it's because they are full from other foods. Since you are sitting her down on your lap before the meal and making sure she drinks until she doesnt want any more, I can't see what you can do differently. Do you not think she's getting the recommended amt (500ml, or about 17oz) of milk and that is why you are concerned? Do you feel she may be dehydrated? If you always have something close by for her to drink, than I wouldnt worry if I were you as she would drink if she was thirsty. You can lead a baby to water but you can't make her drink!

Answer 3

How much is not enough? Is your babies urine dark in color or does it have a strong smell? This is a sign your baby is not drinking enough and is dehydrated.

Here's a gauge to determine if you baby is drinking enough from my Dr. Spock book.

Weight ------- Fluid Required
10 pounds -- 15 ounces
11 pounds -- 18 ounces
14 pounds -- 21 ounces
16 pounds -- 24 ounces
18 pounds -- 27 ounces
20 pounds -- 30 ounces
22 pounds -- 33 ounces
24 pounds -- 35 ounces
26 pounds -- 36 ounces
28 pounds -- 38 ounces
30 pounds -- 39 ounces

Here are some other links:
http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5295,00.html?r=related
http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,13190,00.html

Ideas to get your baby to drink more?
You are already trying different things and tried different cups, straws, etc. Not much more you can do other than relax. I noticed my kids have both gone through picky stages. Some last weeks and others months, but they do pass. The best advice anyone can give you is to check with you pediatrian if you are concerned. I would recommend avoiding too many drinks with sugar (including juice). Also, avoid putting a cup in bed with your daughter. Really bad on the teeth and she could choke.

Hope this helps. I know it is frustrating. Best of luck!

Answer 4

What about popsicles? And if you're concerned about sugar, you can make your own with whatever juice you currently use. And I don't know if you've tried Pedialyte, but it's really salty tasting, so if your daughter doesn't like it, there's a reason. The only other suggestion is to use whatever container you have to get her to drink, ie water bottle, regular cup (outside only), different sippie cups, etc. Goodluck

Answer 5

I have 3 babies myself and even the doc will tell you at about one year the food and drink intake goes down. They are done having there huge growth spurts for a little while. And as long as you are offering it to her, she will drink when she wants something. But I do agree you should try some fruit and/or popsicles. Those are both really good options for your daughter. And if you are still really concerned, make an appointment at her docs. They will be able to help you with any question you may have. I am the queen of taking my kids to the doctor for everything. But I do also like to get adive from other people - Good Luck!!

Answer 6

I would guess that the same rule would apply to your one year old as a younger baby: if she is thristy, she will drink. As long as she is not getting dehydrated, she is probably ok. If she is pooping normally and there aren't any signs of dehydration, don't sweat it. Some signs may be: dry lips, no tears with crying, sunken eyes, and tiredness. If you experience any of these, make an appt with her pediatrician. It absolutely never hurts to ask. In the meantime, I would continue with your efforts to encourage fluids. Good luck.

Answer 7

Add fruit to her diet. Watermelon is full of water. Also try sugar-free Popsicles. Ask her pediatrician how many ounces a 1 yr old should consume. Take her shopping for a "favorite" cup, let her pick it out.

Answer 8

Children do not dangerously dehydrate themselves so long as they have liquids available. You dont need to force her to drink. She is getting older and her bladder is better controlled, and larger than it was before. She will naturally have fewer damp and wet diapers, its normal.

Choose your battles, and dont pick fights. Its not worth it to make her drink. Just keep her sippies around her, and full of liquid.

Answer 9

Maybe she is just not thirsty. Some kids drink more then others. As long as she has a cup to get to when she wants it, she will drink when she's thirsty!!

Answer 10

Is this a recent problem? If so, you may have a teething problem and the sucking (sipping) is hurting her.

Try a new cup