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Behaviour/development

Toddler refusing fluids.

9 replies

BoysiesBack · 30/06/2015 10:35

My 22 month old DS refuses to drink anything. He still BFs regularly day and night but will not have anything else, I've tried every sippy cup/water bottle/straw etc you can imagine, tried with a spoon etc, but nothing.

Obviously, I'm getting concerned with the hot weather as, while he is still weeing, his nappies are much drier than they were and I'm worried about him dehydrating. Any suggestions as to how to get water in him appreciated, thanks.

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lexyloub · 30/06/2015 11:01

There's fluids in foods to so maybe some fruit like melon or oranges or ice lollys too

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selly24 · 30/06/2015 15:04

A child that isn't thirsty won't drink! Would approach through play. Would he enjoy a little tea set type scenario -giving his toys a drink?Does he see other children drinking? Eg at groups Children's centre?

Do you plan to stop BF in the near future? Will he drink expressed Breast milk?
Via food Fruit salad with lots of juice, watery fruits cucumber, melon, oranges slushes and ice lollies (homemade)
Thin custard, soups, thin tomato sauces on food.....?

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BoysiesBack · 30/06/2015 15:11

Thank you for replying.

Yes, I give him plenty of fruit etc to keep him hydrated, that combined with plenty of BM has been fine so far which is why I haven't been too worried, it's just less wet nappies and the heat recently has started to concern me.

Yes, we've tried through play, lots of teddy bears picnics and such, he happily gives his toys drinks and will pretend to drink himself, but real liquid is just met with a 'no like' and a refusal.

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BoysiesBack · 30/06/2015 15:13

Yes, he has 3 older siblings so they drink loads and spends time with other DC at playgroup. He just comes for bf when the others have squash.

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Footle · 30/06/2015 15:26

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DIYandEatCake · 30/06/2015 21:16

My 18mo is like this and gets constipated too. When I think he really, really needs more fluids I let him have a carton of apple juice or a 'my5' (juice & water) fruit shoot. Not ideal I know - and I keep trying the water - but better that than medication for the constipation.

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BoysiesBack · 02/07/2015 20:34

That's the thing, DIY, he won't drink anything, I've offered all the 'junky' drinks in the world, fruit juices, fruit shoots, milkshakes, you name it... it's like he has some sort of fear around anything in liquid form.

I really want to stop bfing, I've been at it more than a decade now, I'm desperate for my freedom back but daren't even try to atm otherwise he'd have nothing to drink at all.

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lexyloub · 02/07/2015 20:39

What happens if your not there to bf does he drink then? Have you tried going cold turkey with him or letting Dad or Grandparents have him so your not there to be tempted to bf - by the way I've never bf so I'm aware I could be talking utter crap! Apologies if this is no good to you. Have you spoken to hv or gp about his aversion to drink anything?

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BoysiesBack · 02/07/2015 22:47

I'm always here to bf, DH works long hours and no other support or anyone to babysit for a while. On rare occasions when I've gone out for a few hours when DH is home he still refuses to drink, just waits until I get back.