As a parent, you naturally want the best for your child, and ensuring they stay hydrated is a big part of that. But how much should a child actually drink? And what do you do when your little one runs away as soon as you bring them a glass of water?

In this guide, we’ll explore the hydration needs of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and share helpful tips to ensure your child stays well-hydrated throughout the day.

How much should a baby drink?

0-6 months

During the first six months, a baby’s fluid needs are met entirely through breastfeeding or formula feeding. On average, a baby needs about 150 ml of fluid per kilogram of body weight each day. This typically amounts to around 750 ml to 1,000 ml per day, depending on your baby’s weight.

6-12 months

At six months, babies can begin sipping small amounts of water alongside solid foods. However, breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of hydration. A few sips of water with each meal are enough to help your baby get used to the taste.

How much should a toddler drink?

1-3 years

Toddlers need about 1 to 1.3 liters of fluid daily. This includes milk, water, and other drinks. It’s important to encourage your toddler to drink small amounts regularly throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and opt for water and milk instead. Since toddlers are often very active and can lose fluids quickly through sweating, make sure they drink enough, especially during hot weather or after physical activities.

A great tip is to let your toddler drink from the Nûby 360° Wonder Cup. This "magic cup" looks like an open cup, but the silicone valve only lets liquid through when your toddler sucks on the rim. This makes it perfect for avoiding spills! Plus, it’s easy for little hands to hold.

How much should a preschooler drink?

4-6 years old

Preschoolers need about 1.3 to 1.5 liters of fluid a day. At this age, children are better at indicating when they are thirsty, but it’s still important to encourage them to drink regularly. In addition to water and milk, small amounts of fruit juice can be offered, but limit this to no more than one glass per day due to the sugar content.

When choosing a drinking cup for your little one, it’s important to consider their dental and mouth development. Should you opt for a straw cup, or is there a better choice? If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options, our blog on choosing the best drinking cup for your child can help guide you in the right direction.

Why drinking enough water is important

Drinking enough water is essential for your child's overall health. Here are some key reasons why:

• Better concentration: Well-hydrated children can concentrate and learn more effectively. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and reduced cognitive performance.
• Regulation of body temperature: Staying hydrated helps your child maintain a stable body temperature, especially during hot days or after physical activity, when they lose more fluids.
• Good digestion: Water plays a vital role in digestion and helps prevent constipation.
• Healthy skin: Adequate water intake contributes to healthy skin, helping to reduce issues like dryness and eczema.
• Healthy kidneys: Drinking enough water supports the kidneys in effectively removing waste products from the body.

Does it have to be water?
While drinks like milk and fruit juice provide important nutrients, they also add extra calories. Water, on the other hand, is the best choice for hydration. Soft drinks and sugary beverages should be avoided as much as possible due to their high sugar content.

We all know that giving your child a sugary drink can lead to a sugar rush, followed by a crash and crankiness. Over time, you'll realize that water is often the better option for keeping your child energized and happy!

Tips for parents to encourage water drinking

Is the only time your little one asks for a glass of water in the evening when they should be heading to bed? It’s often a sign they’re incredibly thirsty! And what about the times when they run away from you as soon as you approach with a glass or worse, a big bottle of water, as if they’re allergic to it?

If you’re unsure how to get started, here are some simple tips to help:

1. Start early: Get your child used to drinking water from a young age. Use fun cups and make drinking an enjoyable experience so they associate it with something positive.
2. Set fixed drinking times: Establish regular drinking times throughout the day, such as with every meal and snack. This creates a routine and helps your child stay hydrated consistently.
3. Limit sugary drinks: Avoid offering sugary drinks like soft drinks and sugary juices. These can contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.
4. Provide water with a nice flavour: Add cucumber, berries, or other fruit to their water for a healthy, deliciously fresh taste. This will help encourage your child to drink a bit more water, we promise!
5. Set a good example: Children learn by imitation. Show them that you drink water regularly too. We know it’s not always easy for adults, but try to keep that can of cola out of sight!
6. Keep an eye on urine: A simple way to check if your child is drinking enough is by looking at the colour of their urine. Pale yellow urine indicates good hydration.
7. Use a reliable drinking cup: Opt for cups designed specifically for children, like the various Nûby cups. They’re not only practical but also make drinking more enjoyable and help prevent spills.

Conclusion

Ensuring your child stays hydrated is crucial for their health. By providing the right amount of fluids daily and teaching healthy drinking habits, you are setting the foundation for a healthy future. With Nûby drinking cups, you can make hydration enjoyable and appealing for your little one. Keep your child hydrated and savor every sip!