How can I get my 19 month old to drink water?

All she wants is milk and I'm afraid she will get dehydrated.
If we give her a cup of water she throws it across the room. (or back at us)

Answers:
I started giving my toddler apple juice diluted with water. I gradually got it down to just plain old water and he'll drink it now. Sometimes it's hard for them to go from milk and juice to plain water. But start her off slowly and she'll be drinking it before you know it.

Other Answers:
Just leave it where she can find it. If she's dehydrated she'll find it.

try making it more fun like with a twisty straw or a special fun cup with your childs favorite cartoon character on it Put some food colouring in all of your water. Always serve her food with water in a pretty glass or cup. Do not force the issue. Do not ask her if she wants it. Just keep it available and attractive at all times.

Don't give him anything else to drink until he drinks the water you want him to drink. He'll get thirsty enough and drink it. Then you can give him other drinks.

Try flavored water. But don't use it all the time. Once they'll drink flavored water, introduce plain water.

well what i do with my toddler is i give her foods that i know she gets really thirsty while eating.Then i know that i want water when i eat those foods,she will to and most of the time it works.even if she doesnt drink a whole lot just getting some water into her system is good enough for me. I would try bottled water. If it's tap water, it probably has a lot of harsh tasting minerals.

put sugar in it at first, and as she gets used to the water start to decrease the sugar in it a little at a time.

I have always fed my children on water as well as milk virtually from birth, so have never had this problem. However, I suppose what you need to do is add something to the water that tastes good to her. Something healthy that does not contain to much sugar. What about mixing in a small amount of cranberry juice or blackcurrant? Only a small amount, 10% or less but enough to make the water look and taste different. Or perhaps put it in a opaque cup if you feel the look is a problem.

I can't believe a child could dehydrate itself, she should instinctively take water if she needs it, so my guess is that she is getting enough fluid already. Do not try to pressure her, try to experiment with different things. Meanwhile, consider what type of food you are currently feeding her. I doubt very much that milk is going to do her any harm at all by the way. Is it cows milk or formula you are feeding her? Either way this should provide enough fluid. Both are mainly composed of water anyway even though you don't think of cows milk that way.

have you tried making kolade and putting it in her bottle or pedilite popsicles> Well, I have the opposite problem, I cant get mine to drink milk. She will drink water and juice all day...
She loves Water out of a "grown up" water bottle, like the ones you buy at the grocery store. So we got her a child size one at Wal-Mart. Maybe you could try the "grown up" water bottle...

This might sound gross to you (as it does me), but my sister used to actually put water in her milk--she doesn't like the really creamy stuff. If you think about it, skim milk is really just watery milk. Also, my toddler loves ice chips--try putting her on a blanket (or something you don't mind getting wet), and give her ice or popsicles. If you turn it into a fun sensory experience, she might come around--I've told my friends before, it's all how you market the idea! Remember that certain fruits have water in them naturally--she might like oranges, watermelons, or pears.
Being a mommy isn't always easy, is it?? Good luck! I'd say just stop filling up her cup w/milk. Instead fill it up w/water. She will get thirsty no matter what and soon enough she will drink. Sounds cruel but it works. Well it worked for me that is. Good Luck

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How can I get my 19 month old to drink water?

Pregnancy & Parenting