How Much Water Kids Should Drink Each Day
How Much Water Should My Child Drink?: Daily Hydration Guidelines for Ontario Parents
Yes, there are specific guidelines for how much water your child needs each day, and it's probably less than you think! The amount depends on your child's age, activity level, and the weather, but most kids get enough fluids without you having to worry constantly about it.
How it works
Your child's body is amazing at regulating fluid needs. When they're thirsty, they drink. When they're well-hydrated, they stop wanting water. Unlike adults who might ignore thirst signals, kids are naturally good at this.
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends these daily amounts for total fluids (including water, milk, and other drinks): toddlers aged 1 to 3 need about 4 cups, preschoolers aged 4 to 8 need about 5 cups, and older kids aged 9 to 13 need 6 to 8 cups. Remember, this includes all beverages and even water from foods like fruits and soups.
What you'll need
- A small water bottle or cup your child can handle easily
- Fresh, clean water (tap water in Ontario is safe and regulated)
- Patience as your child learns to recognize thirst
- Extra fluids during hot weather or active play
Signs your child is drinking enough
You can tell your child is well-hydrated by watching for these good signs: they urinate regularly throughout the day, their urine is light yellow or clear, they have energy for play and seem alert, and their lips and mouth look moist, not dry.
Don't worry if your child doesn't seem to drink much some days. Their needs vary, and they're getting water from milk, fruits, vegetables, and other foods too. Focus on offering water regularly rather than forcing them to drink specific amounts.
Common questions
Should you worry if your child refuses water? Not usually. Try offering water in different cups, adding a slice of cucumber or lemon, or serving it at different temperatures. Some kids prefer room temperature while others like it cold.
What about sports drinks or juice? Water is best for everyday hydration. Save sports drinks for intense physical activity lasting over an hour. Limit juice to small amounts, as it's high in sugar and can fill them up, leaving less room for nutritious foods.
Do you need to wake your child at night to drink? No, healthy kids don't need overnight fluids unless they're sick. Let them sleep.
The takeaway
Trust your child's natural thirst signals and offer water regularly throughout the day. Most Ontario kids stay perfectly hydrated without parents having to stress about exact measurements.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Healthy Eating and Your Child](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-eating-and-your-child)
- [Water: How much should my child drink?](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=776&language=english)
- [Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/nutrition-for-healthy-term-infants-6-to-24-months)