Any tips on how to encourage my 9.5 month old to drink water?

[crispaddict76]

He isn’t having any of it and I’m starting to get worried about him being dehydrated now he’s dropping bottles and also his night feed most of the time. Trying different cups and all sorts and he just turns his head away. The only thing I haven’t tried is adding flavour to the water as the HV would have you believe that’s a sin. I also would rather he drank just water but have to admit I’m running out of ideas other than juice!!

Any ideas? He is teething and I’m wondering if that could have anything to do with it but maybe I’m clutching at straws!!

Don’t tell the HV (it’s ok because we don’t have them where I live 😉) but I added a very small amount of apple juice to the water. Once she was happily drinking a decent amount then I slowly weaned her off it by reducing the amount until there was none at all. She’s been drinking plain water without an issue since she was 11 months-ish.

i would prepare a big jug of water, and then add a splash of apple juice into it (or squash if you prefer- very tiny amounts) as that way it has some flavour but is still hydrating

Try adding cucumber or orange slices to a jug of water.

Have you tried a sports cap (like a fruit shoot)? Or a normal straw?

If he’s dropping bottles, he’s not that thirsty. Keep offering, but it’s not a big deal as long as you aren’t withholding milk feeds. If he’s thirsty, he’ll either drink the water or he’ll have more milk later. My dd never drank any water at all til around then, but when she was a bit older, she happily drank it. My second one guzzled water from 6 months. They’re all different but will get it in their own time. Don’t add anything to the water. It’s horrible for their teeth and not necessary.

Thanks everyone will keep persevering xx