Your 1-year-old might not be drinking water because they're getting enough fluids from other sources.
Reasons Your 1-Year-Old Might Not Drink Water
A 1-year-old not readily drinking water can be concerning, but is often perfectly normal. Several factors contribute to this:
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Sufficient Fluid Intake from Other Sources: Babies often get the hydration they need from other sources like milk, formula, breast milk, fruits, vegetables, and even soups. These all contain a significant amount of water.
"There is water in the milk, vegetables, fruits and soup that she consumes, so she is not thirsty."
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Not Feeling Thirsty: If your baby isn't thirsty, they won't drink. It's as simple as that. Babies, like adults, will drink when their bodies signal the need for fluids.
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Taste Preference: Plain water might not be as appealing as the sweeter taste of milk or juice (though juice isn't generally recommended for babies).
What To Do
Here's what you should do if your baby is refusing water:
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Don't Force It: Forcing a baby to drink can create a negative association with water.
"Parents should not force her to drink water. When your baby is thirsty, she will naturally drink."
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Offer Water at Regular Intervals: Continue to offer water, especially during and after meals, and when the weather is warm.
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Make Water Accessible: Ensure your baby always has access to a sippy cup or straw cup filled with water.
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Try Different Cups: Experiment with different types of cups (sippy cups, straw cups, open cups) to see if your baby has a preference.
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Model Good Hydration: Let your baby see you and other family members drinking water.
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Consult Your Pediatrician: If you are genuinely concerned about your baby's hydration, speak to your pediatrician. Signs of dehydration include fewer wet diapers than usual, dark urine, dry mouth, and lethargy.
Key Takeaway
Don't panic if your 1-year-old isn't gulping down water. As long as they are getting sufficient fluids from other sources and showing no signs of dehydration, they are likely perfectly fine. Keep offering water and let them drink when they're thirsty.
