Tips for getting toddler to drink more?

[heygrey]

R is chronically constipated and its 99% because he refuses to drink. I spend all day offering him water and I'm lucky if I can get 6-8oz in him over the course of the day. He does nurse still so that's something, but clearly not enough. I've offered juice and he flat out refuses it. I've tried different cups and he has a preference for the zoli, but he's drank out every straw cup I've offered previously so this preference is new.

His overnight diaper was barely wet this morning. I'm going to call the doctor when they open at 9, but I'm afraid were going to end up in the hospital for dehydration at this rate.

[dcn]

Smoothies or fruit? Popsicles?

[heygrey]

Jul 8, 2015 9:01:47 GMT -5 @vicmo said:

Will he eat foods with high water content? Like watermelon or other fruits?

Watermelon gets a hard pass, but he eats a lot peaches and pears. Veggies are mostly broccoli, green beans, and sweet potato. I cook the broccoli and beans in broth and serve them still dripping so he gets more liquids from those. He eats other fruits and veggies, but I've been concentrating on high fibre, juicy foods. We avoid applesauce, bananas, cheese, and simple carbs. I push kidney beans as a protein, but throw in eggs, chicken, beef, and fish in moderation.

Obviously his diet isn't perfect, but I'm pretty meticulous when he's having a particularly bad spell. I'm at my wits end with this.

[heygrey]

I'll look for (or make my own) Popsicles today, thanks!

[mlt]

Have you tried different types of cups? Straws?

My kids have the mini camelbaks that match mine and DS1 loves carrying it around with him like I do. He's more likely to drink water when he sees me drinking it.

We also taught him to "cheers" before dinner (or during) so we all clink our cups together and drink. He loves doing that and gets at least a few swallows in.

[Ashley&Scott]

Have you tried different types of cups? What about letting him pick out a new fun one with his favorite color/character.

[heygrey]

Jul 8, 2015 9:17:23 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Have you tried different types of cups? What about letting him pick out a new fun one with his favorite color/character.

I don't think he'd make the connection. He's 16 months so he's be thrilled to carry around all the cups at the store, but once we put water in them it would cause a meltdown.

[aspentosh]

I'd try an open cup if you're willing to deal with some mess. That was when DD really started drinking a lot because she wanted to master the skill

[shelbyann]

I would try an open cup. My DD is also not a big drinker but I've noticed she drinks more of her Zoli cup when I give it to her without the lid.

[littlepeanut]

We put a tiny bit of juice in DS' cup when he is constipated. It just gets him to drink the water.

[bugandbibs]

Get yourself a grown up straw cup and fill with ice water. Tell him it's yours only. Guaranteed he will want some.

Or is it only my kids that want something more if it's not theirs?

[6fsn]

Do you leave water cup out all the time? I just leave them sit and the kids manage to empty them throughout the day. Or make a game and the two of you go together and get a sip every once in awhile.

What about flavoring the water? There are pitchers and water bottles that have a little cylinder you can fill with fruit to flavor it.

[Deleted]

Does he like what my kids call "bubble water?" The carbonated stuff? LaCroix etc.

DS will down half of mine no problem if I let him.

Also really watered down Gatorade. Which I know is atrocious to give a toddler (and I do it rarely) but H loves it and monkey see monkey want monkey do.