As a mother, I understand the confusion mothers go through when it relates to whether a baby’s development is going as planned. Even the most minor concerns, such as taking or not taking enough water, can be a massive cause for alarm. If you’re wondering, “My 1-Year-Old Drinks a Lot of Water,” seek expert advice to ensure your little one’s health is on track.
Well, the feeling is normal, and it is important you do not take anything for granted. In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about your 1-year-old and water. Is your baby taking too much water – or not taking enough? You will find out soon.
My 1-Year-Old Drinks a Lot of Water – Is It Normal?
As you know – or should, breast milk is composed of more than 80% water, especially the first breast milk of the day that comes with each feed. Therefore, babies who are still being breast fed may have little or no need for water.
However, when the baby becomes one year of age and on many occasions, has started eating solid food, then water is essential. According to medical experts, drinking water in good quantity can help toddlers stay hydrated and remain healthy. It also helps them during illness as it can help to cool their temperature.
So, since your child has started taking solids for the first time, it is perfectly normal to notice that they are consuming more water than you were used to within the past 12 months. Unlike as it was with breast milk or formula, the baby would require more water to balance their diet and make their meals digest well.
For most babies, solids are often introduced around 6 to 8 months of age, and so they begin to consume more water. So, allow them to drink half a cup to one cup of water a day. But once they cross one year, their daily recommendation for water intake increases to 1-5 cups (8-40 ounces) per day.
To answer the question – my one year old baby drinks a lot of water, is it normal – directly, my answer will be; yes, it is normal. Cases of over hydration in babies are rare, but it is possible. On the other hand, dehydration is a much bigger and more likely threat when it comes to toddlers.
Can a 1-Year-Old Drink Too Much Water?
As we earlier discussed, although over hydration is not common, it is very possible. Therefore, drinking too much water can have a negative impact on a one year old baby. The truth is that too much water consumed can cause an imbalance in the sodium levels of the infant. This could, in turn, lead to acute seizures and brain damage.
If you notice that your toddler is acting differently as a result of taking too much water, please seek medical attention promptly. Treatment for water intoxication can vary, depending on the overall sodium level of the baby in question.
How Much Water Should a 1-Year-Old Drink?
When your one year old starts eating solids, there is always a concern on how the diet with water. Also, as mentioned earlier, water is needed to aid digestion.
However, at this time in your baby’s life, milk is often a major part of his or her diet. Milk will help in the development of the baby’s bones and teeth, and many parents see this as a substitute for water. But this should not be the case. Regardless of how much milk the baby is taking, it is important for the baby to take water, also.
If you are a parent that often finds yourself wondering about how much water your toddler should be taking, you are not alone. In this section, we will discuss how much water a one year old baby should drink.
According to medical and children’s experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), one year olds should drink around 1 to 4 cups (8 to 32 ounces) of water every day and about 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) each day of whole milk.
Medical professionals also say that babies can take 1 cup of water a day for one year olds, 2 cups of water a day for two year olds, 3 cups of water for three year olds, and so on.
How Can I Get My Toddler to Drink More Water?
As you may have noticed – or may have been told, babies are fond of struggling against the things they need most. It is a regular occurrence to see babies refusing to eat, drink or take medication – so be prepared.
Your baby needs a good amount of water to balance his or her daily metabolism – but trust me. They won’t take it just because you offer it. There are many women who are often worried about how best to get their babies to drink more water. So, if you are on this ship, cheer up because you are not alone, and we have a few tested and trusted solutions for you.
In my many years of speaking to expecting and nursing mothers, there is one piece of advice I always give – and it works wonders. The best way to get your toddler(s) to do anything is to lead by example. Yes, if you want your baby to drink more water, then you should drink more water yourself.
Babies are suggestible and are always interested in what you are eating and drinking. They often want to eat from your plate or draw from your straw. So, it would be best if you used this to your advantage.
Another tactic is to allow your baby to choose their sippy cup just the way they will pick a toy. The cup should be colourful and attractive to the baby, as this will aid the baby to drink more. Feel free to also leave this sippy cup in their crip and around the house so that they can play with it – and drink from it whenever they feel the need. This practice will help the baby get used to drinking water.
Can I Give My 1 Year Old Other Drinks?
Ensuring that your toddler drinks enough water is not the only way to keep them hydrated. Many children and nutrition experts advise that fruits with high water concentration – like watermelon, can also be good for babies. In fact, about 20% of your baby’s fluid intake may come from other sources – aside from water.
However, you should ensure that you consciously increase the amount of water intake for your baby when you notice that they are sweating more as a result of the weather or physical activity.
Also, as we discussed earlier, water is the best solution to dehydration, and it should be the only drink you offer to your one year old. Other, there are times when fruit juices are advised – ensure it is in small quantity and must have no addictive.
It is important to note that sugary fruit juices, milk drinks, chocolate drinks, and other artificial drinks can be dangerous for your baby. The sugars and sweeteners in these drinks can make your baby get used to high levels of sweetness, which is not advisable. Although it is a known fact that milk is important for a baby’s overall growth and development, ensure that your chief source of the baby’s drink is plain water. This will also go a long way to help protect the baby’s teeth.
What Does the Experts Say?
In addition, experts advise that too much milk can have adverse consequences on the baby, like constipation and iron deficiency. It also fills them up, thereby preventing them from taking important foods with high nutritional values.
For babies between 12 to 24 months old, stick to 2-3 cups of milk a day, but ensure that they have adequate water consumption. But after 24 months, ensure that you switch the milk from whole milk to skim milk for adequate development of your baby.
Remember to stay off juice for your baby as much as possible. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that nursing mothers and caregivers should not give more than a half-cup of fruit juice to a baby. Rather, it is best to offer them fruits – which are healthier and more nutritious than fruit juice.
Signs Your Child Is Not Drinking Enough Water
As a nursing mother or caregiver, it is essential that you remain conscious and observant around your baby. You should be conscious of their signs, actions – and inactions. If your baby isn’t drinking enough water, you will notice the following:
- The baby will lack or have low energy
- Diarrhea
- Reduced or irregular pee
- Dark-colored pee
- Dryness of lips
- Coldness of the skin
- Easily irritated
- Stickiness of the mouth
- Sunkeness of the eyes
- Increased and irregular dizziness
Signs Your Child Is Drinking Too Much Water
Although it is rare, your baby may be suffering from the effects of consuming too much water. If your baby is suffering from the effects of too much water, you will notice the following:
- Low appetite for food and snacks
- Fatigue
- Increased Nausea
Conclusion on: My 1-Year-Old Drinks a Lot of Water – Is It Normal?
Water is good for your baby, and under normal circumstances, you would not experience any issues with your baby having issues with too much liquid intake.
However, if you notice that your child isn’t eating well due to a stomach full of water, you need to reduce the water intake. A good way to achieve this is to reduce the quantity of water placed in the sippy cup so as to free them up for food.
By and large, there is no limit to the daily amount of water your baby can consume, but you should be conscious that the baby doesn’t drink more than is needed.
