What do you give your toddler to drink?

Maria - posted on 11/01/2011

My almost 3 yr old drinks milk ( lactaid only cuz he has a hard time pooping ) I recently cut back on the his juice, he only drinks one cup of light white grape juice a day, does not like any other juice that I have offered him, figured he'd like the V8 juice mix since he loves tomatoes, but he prefers just plane white grape juice. In the last couple of months I've got him to drink at least a cup of water a day, it might be spread out during the course of the day, but he's drinking it, he will have it with his snacks and lunch and dinner. He only has a cup of milk with his breakfast and his good night drink. I give him a cup of juice when he wakes up from his nap. It takes some work, but when your persistent and they become thirsty, trust me they will drink the water. He's also a picky eater, he will only eat pasta...trying to get him to eat the meats, but he gives me a run for my money, I wouldn't mind so much, but like I said he has a hard time moving his bowels and Im sure the pasta doesn't help. Although he does love grapes and apples for his snacks

Manda - posted on 10/31/2011

Hey girl not really big eater at all and she olny at 10kkgs now she loves her milk and juice she only drinks flavored water ae just told her was juice she loves it ae...

Kristen - posted on 10/30/2011

my son is two and he doesnt like water but that is th best for them so i put 1/4 cup of juice and fill the rest of his cup with water or sometimes i cut up lemons or strawberries and fill a jug of water and put them in. tastes great.

Christi - posted on 10/30/2011

My little boy seems to love his sippy cups as well he has to always have one but eating is a battle here. What I do is give him lots of milk, and sneak in the carnation instant breakfast mix. He thinks he is getting strawberry or coco milk and oh my he loves them. Also to get water in him being I hate water as well we just add flavor to our water.

Sarah - posted on 10/29/2011

you can also try some roarin water juice pouches! they are pretty good my kids love them!:)..

Sarah - posted on 10/29/2011

well you can always make her some of those flavored packets you put in bottled water... or some v8 juice its not water but it is healthy

Jaye - posted on 10/29/2011

My little lady loves white grape juice, apple juice and flavored water. As far as milk is concerned, she drinks it sparingly, not very enthusiastic when it comes to drinking it. I try to give her other food items with equal amount calcium such as yogurt, cheese, etc....

Kyra - posted on 10/26/2011

I had the same problem with my son, to break this bad habit, I just gave him cranberry grape juice diluted with LOTS of water and he drank it. I would also give him only 2 cups of 100% juice per day, 2 cups of milk per day and everything else is diluted. Once he realized I wasn't giving in he just got used to it and began to accept what I gave him ;) At this age most kids are thirsty all day long anyway because they are so active. Maybe try giving her a little diluted juice (half of her cup only, so she doesn't become full from juice), but just enough to quench her thirst before she eats. Idk worth a shot.. works for my boy and my daycare kids too! Hope it helps.. Ahh the joy of motherhood!

Jenny - posted on 10/26/2011

I usually give my 2 year old milk or gaterade. Sometimes I give her water and just put a little bit of juice in it to give it flavor.

Cassey - posted on 10/26/2011

I give my daughter water, milk, and a little juice or make her a propel fitness water instead of juice. Not only is the propel better for her because of the vitamins and antioxidants she thinks she is drinking juice! I also don't give her anything to drink during meals until she has eaten at least half of her meal.

Amanda - posted on 10/25/2011

Both of my children, 2 and 7, are allergic to milk protein, so no animal milk in our house. We stick with calcium fortified juice, almond milk, and water. If your daughter is on the chunky side, but not eating a lot then you really should cut out the juice because it is practically empty calories.

Sandra - posted on 10/21/2011

I used to really water down the squash so there was a hint of flavour but more water also sippy cups he couldnt see through cos then i could put water in and say it was squash eventually he didnt notice the difference and i cut proper juice out when he was little

Jeannette - posted on 10/21/2011

His water cup is with him all day, everyday. Milk with breakfast and lunch and then chocolate milk a few times a week. That's it. I saw someone suggest putting cut up pieces of fruit in the water cup or even cucumbers. That would add natural flavors to the water.

Jessica - posted on 10/18/2011

i would give her milk and juice then, nothing is more healthier then that! I know you want to make her happy but healthy is more like it!! Mom knows best and she has to listen to mom! If she wont drink plain water find ways to sweeten it with natural sweeteners, but the most juices like motts are mixed with water so she will get her servings with that!

Jessica - posted on 10/18/2011

i would give her milk and juice then, nothing is more healthier then that! I know you want to make her happy but healthy is more like it!! Mom knows best and she has to listen to mom! If she wont drink plain water find ways to sweeten it with natural sweeteners, but the most juices like motts are mixed with water so she will get her servings with that!

Melinda - posted on 10/17/2011

Just give her water. Do not have any other options for her to pick from in your house. :^)

SAMAYA - posted on 10/15/2011

my son dhamik loves milk he ask for that more then juice in water but to much milk is not good so his doctor told me friday so 3cups of milk a day 8oz of juice in water is what he get now

Holly - posted on 10/14/2011

Iced water, he loves ice. other than that it's milk and juice.

Shantelle - posted on 10/13/2011

i did half water half juice then after a week or so did 3/4 water 1/4 juice and slowly lessened the juice amount until it was a small splash of juice now he drink all water all day hes never picked up a taste for milk besides in his daily cereal

Emily - posted on 10/13/2011

I always have filled my kids drinks up 3/4 water and 1/4 juice to just give it a taste, and call it juice : )

Emily - posted on 10/13/2011

I always have filled my kids drinks up 3/4 water and 1/4 juice to just give it a taste.

Maigan - posted on 10/12/2011

have you tried a flavored water? they have some that have no sugar and no calories, it's all natural. :) I am lucky, my 2 year old would drink a gallon of milk a day if I let her and she loves water.

Jessica - posted on 10/12/2011

My daughter is a Type 1 Diabetic...so forcing fluids that are low to zero carbs are a must. There is this one drink from Crayola that is water with only a little flavor. My daughter and my son both love them. Maybe you can try this.

Amie - posted on 10/12/2011

I give my son juice, water, and milk sometimes. When I do give him juice it is watered down. Half juice half water.

Amy - posted on 10/11/2011

My son is 2 and 5 months, and I fill a sippy cup with half water/half juice and let him drink whenever he wants. I only give him real fruit juice, milk, or water, he drinks all without any problems.
You should never give your baby or toddler flavored water, it is full of aspartame and actually has a warning on the bottles that it isn't suitable for children.

Jessie - posted on 10/11/2011

We buy our daughter the Naked Juices, especially when we know we are going to be out and about for a long time and might have to push back a meal. We also make smoothies at home when berries are in season.

Jennifer - posted on 10/10/2011

Try vitamin water my son loves it or just flavored water. My son was the same way I just gave him water mixed with whatever I had at the time & slowly introduced more water & less flavor now he excepts the water with his snacks but gets milk for breakfast & dinner & juice for lunch

Jennifer - posted on 10/10/2011

Try vitamin water my son loves it or just flavored water. My son was the same way I just gave him water mixed with whatever I had at the time & slowly introduced more water & less flavor now he excepts the water with his snacks but gets milk for breakfast & dinner & juice for lunch

Danielle - posted on 10/07/2011

I give my 2 yr old Milk, water, sugar free juice.

Laura - posted on 10/06/2011

My son gets milk, juice, pediasure, and soda...mostly milk.

Jennifer - posted on 10/06/2011

juice milk and water. She occasionally gets pop but its rare for her to get it. she has tried stealing from me but I have refused for her to have it. I am trying hard to teach my child to make healthy choices.

Sharon - posted on 10/06/2011

My son love his milk, he drink water also, and he love his juice but I limit his juice to half sippy a day...and sometimes he get bored of water ;)

Christine - posted on 10/05/2011

I make water more interesting by adding ice. He drinks milk without a problem and usually prefers to drink it several times a day. If I offer juice, he'll beg for it until there isn't any more available to offer. For this reason, and health reasons, we rarely have juice in the house....

Kelly - posted on 10/05/2011

My kids only get water or white milk they have only had juice twice once for a birthday party and once from Nana. They love milk and water and don't know what they are missing not getting juice so it's easy for me cause I started out that way....now that yours knows what juice is it's going to be a little harder. Maybe try the water that is flavored?? Juice water it down 50/50 water and juice? Kids are picky at eating, mine are as well some days but they don't eat it's on them, they will learn if they don't eat they will be hungry later. My daughter is worse then my son she's 2 he's 4, but she does eat a lot of fruit and vegs so I don't worry. Good luck!

Maggie - posted on 10/04/2011

if you give her water she will drink it. She's holding out for the juice and milk because she knows you'll give in. You could also try watering down the juice so it's not so sugary. Start with 1/4 water, then 1/2. My boys have always had watered down juice and they don't really like regular juice. you say she "never wants to eat any food" but she must be eating something or she'd be very thin. Try to stick with healthy snacks and meals. Offer healthy foods at every meal. I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't like berries (healthy!) or bananas, or carrots dipped in a very little bit of ranch. Keep healthy snacks at the ready so she can get it herself when she's hungry. We have apples on the table all the time so the boys can help themselves but little boxes of raisins or single serve baggies of graps on the bottom shelf of the fridge work just as well. Hard boiled eggs are a real hit, too. If you absolutely can't get her to eat anything then try Pediasure or something like that and make sure she's taking a multivitamin (I recommend Centrum for kids) so she's getting the vitamins she needs to grow.

Danielle - posted on 10/04/2011

You may want to think about switching to 2% or even 1% after asking her doctor. My little one drinks milk, water, and juice. We still will not let her have soda.

Tina - posted on 10/04/2011

My daughter used to only drink milk and juice. Until she started noticing my husband and myself drinking lots of water. So my take on this is, if you want your child to eat healthy, then SHOW them how to eat healthy. Do NOT bring the junk food into your home. If you want them to drink water, then drink water yourself. Juice & junk food is always OK in moderation. Hope this helps.

Jessica - posted on 10/03/2011

My pediatrician told me that when the 2 year old food pickiness begins that they would rather drink than eat their calories. So she said 16 oz of milk and 6 oz of juice only and water the rest of the time. If she is thirsty, she will drink and then with less calories then she will be HUNGRY and sure enough she is eating more. Not perfect and not into veggies as much as I would like but with sticking to it - even through many tantrums - eventually thirst and hunger win. Getting there is the battle.

Maureen - posted on 10/02/2011

simple, dont have juice in the house.She will soon learn that water or milk is the only option. teach by example. we dont keep fizzy or juice in our house, only on special occasions. juice should be kept as a treat, like lollies or potato crisps, same goes. sorry if i havent been helpful, but if things like this are taught from a young age then there should be no problem.

Samantha - posted on 10/02/2011

my daughter went of milk at 2 years old she now as flavoured water and loves it x

Leslie - posted on 10/02/2011

I got them mini bottles of water and I would drink out of a bottle that looks like theres but bigger and they got used to drinking it. Try to get her interested in it by bringing it around more often. Make sure when she gets hot you have it COLD so she wont think about it as much.

Candice - posted on 09/30/2011

My son drinks mostly water and milk. Once in a while I throw in some juice with a snack, and some days I give him pediasure- but only if he hasn't received enough nutrients or calories, and has had a "picky" day. None the less... Pediasure is NOT a subsitute for any fruits, vegetables, etc...

Mandy - posted on 09/29/2011

will she not drink really weak diluted juice??

Adria - posted on 09/29/2011

Chunk is okay at 2! But what I do is I feel my sons sippy with 2-3oz of juice and then fill it up the rest of the way with water. I do that 3-4x a day. So he's not really getting that much juice and getting more water. but 'he thinks' he's getting juice...not water. And I used the v8 Fusion as well so that it has a greater nutritional value.

Katrina - posted on 09/25/2011

Welcome to my world . My toddler is the axact same as well . she will only drink milk . She has a younger sister who just turned 13 months and is now drinking milk and vitamin water. I'm hoping that my youngest can changed my oldest's mind :)

Toddlers still like to imitate so if you are drinking juice or vitimin water , share with her and see if she'll drink it :)

Monique - posted on 09/23/2011

My son was the same way. I asked his doctor for some advice and she said that most kids his age (2) become picky eaters if they are given juice all the time which was true in my case.She said to give him milk and water. She also informed me that i shouldnt become his personal chef. Just because he doesnt want the meal prepared does not mean i have to take it away and make something more to his liking. Let him eat the same meal as everyone else. I used her advice and it really did help although he has become a bit greedy. He has gotten to the point where he will ask for water over anything else and he isnt a picky eater anymore.

Leanne - posted on 09/22/2011

My little boy is the same. I have tried the same tactic, refraining from to much drinks. It does work but he still won't eat very much.He loves his milk and we usually give him juice watered down.i tried a smoothie the other day and he loved it. Now no problems with having fruit.he will drink it, but won't eat the fruit ,if placed in front of him on his table.hope i have been of some help.I make my smoothies with yoghurt, apples ,strawberries, bananas and milk (also some ice) all blended.

Crystal - posted on 09/21/2011

When my kids were in the toddler stage and I wanted them to drink more water i would put a little lemon juice in it and tell them it was juice, it worked for me. They taste the lemon and believed me, I slowly eliminated the flavoring until it was straight water. If you do this slowly eventually they will be drinking water without even knowing it....As far as the eating goes, have you tried the finger foods? let her help with prparing the meal ( if she is old enough) and this might help. Sometimes if you make it like a game kids are more interested....

Coco - posted on 09/20/2011

Milk at meals, water in between. juice on rare occasions.

Cai - posted on 09/19/2011

buy a juicer, and blend a real variety of things together, cuts the sugar, adds the missing nutrients. Carrots and mango, berries and spinach .