fluid intake for a 3 year old

[mckenzie]

does anyone know what the recommended daily fluid intake is?

I worry that my son isn't drinking enough, particularly in this hot weather. Not that i'd probably be able to force him to drink anymore anyway but I'd just like to know if I'm worrying over nothing or not.

I don't know but would like to so this is to bump it up

maybe I should have posted on a monday evening gothicmama when the site is busier. I'm going to check some other sites as well so if I find out before someone tells us then I'll let you know.

OK, well I know this isn't a definite answer but we were told (when admitted years ago for 4 month old with dehydration after gastroenteritis), that once they are past 2 or so years there is no definitive answer for an ideal fluid intake. This is because it depends on how much the child wees/sweats etc. so that there can be no certain answer. However, we were told that they need to be given a drink with every meal (obviously!) and then offered drinks at intervals between meals. Also, slurping a huge drink down in one is not the same as having smaller drinks throughout the day. And certain drinks don't have the same affect on the fluid in the body as others (i.e. caffeine ones which are less hydrating).

I know that isn't really an answer but it kind of makes sense!! In this kind of weather, my 3 year old has probably had 3 of those big kids on the go cups today (and she hasn't been running around otherwise it would be more I guess) and 1 big glass of banana milkshake. How much is your son having? My 2 year old definitely drinks much less and has probably only had around 3 smaller cups today and quite often, he drinks much less.

thanks foxinsocks. I know that all children are different but compared to your daughter, my son has not had anywhere near enough. I offer him drinks (mainly water or very diluted juice) plenty of times during the day and at every meal. I take drinks out with me everywhere and I am always asking him if he would like a drink (well, not quite always but certainly a lot). He probably hasn't even drunk the equivalent of one large beaker today. He has done a few wees though and no doubt will wake me up at about 4am sunday morning shouting that he needs a wee!! (why oh why did I take him out of bedtime nappies??)
Guess that means he's having enough or does it?

McKenzie - I'm not sure I can be of help, but I had a real problem with my ds when he was about 2 or 3. He literally didn't take a cup of water to his lips for over 2 weeks. I tried syringing it into his mouth, making it warm so it didn't shock him, all sorts.

I was palpitating with worry the whole time and took him to the pharmacy and the doctors. Their answer to me was not to worry (!!!) that this was "quite normal" and to make sure he had lots of food with a high water content. I added water to yoghurts, I made all his food really watery and tried various cups and beakers. Eventually he started of his own free will again, after I had nearly had a nervous breakdown with worry.

Saying that, he still to my mind doesn't drink nearly enough now and he is 6.5, but then he probably takes after me....!

I am sure the problem will resolve itself, but maybe try the putting water in his food until it does? I hope this is of some help (?)

thanks charcol8. It does help to ease my concern. Thank you very much.