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Toddler won't drink at all

13 replies

UnusualBear · 02/06/2025 22:21

My daughter just turned 2 and hasn’t drunk anything for 5 days - she seems totally fine: plenty of wet nappies, urine not dark or smelly, no signs of dehydration at all. She eats well -lots of fruit, veg, yogurt, and other water-rich foods-so I’m confident she’s getting enough fluids that way.

She used to only drink milk from a bottle, though not much. We've tried switching to all kinds of cups and straws, but each time she refuses everything—eating and drinking, even the bottle when we relent out of desperation. Then after a few days, she suddenly resumes like nothing happened.

Last week, she rejected milk outright and happily drank diluted squash from a sippy cup—we were thrilled! Then a few days later, total refusal of drinks. But eating completely fine.

I've tried water, all sorts of squashes at different strengths, juice, flavoured milk but she won't even try them - she just hands the cup back and says "no." Her speech isn’t developed enough to explain.

Could this be a phase? She’s been showing a strong desire for independence lately—might it be tied to that? I’m sure she’s getting enough hydration through food, but I’m still really worried. Any ideas or tips would be hugely appreciated.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
BatshitIsTheOnlyExplanation · 02/06/2025 22:22

If she's weeing loads she must be hydrated.

Lammveg · 03/06/2025 00:26

Do you leave the drinks out and they're accessible to her? As in so she has the choice to drink.

Does she see you drink water etc? Maybe ham it up a little 'wow i love water/milk/whatever'.

PlantDoctor · 03/06/2025 00:31

Could you try a really wacky curly straw? She might find it fun to see the liquid moving through it. I absolutely hate them as they're a massive pain to clean but 5 days is such a long time! Glad she's eating lots of fruits though!

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caringcarer · 03/06/2025 04:23

Will she eat melon, cucumber etc? If so I'd offer her some melon with every meal. Leave cups of water within her reach. She'll drink if thirsty. If plenty of wet nappies she's not dehydrated.

wonderingwhatsnext · 03/06/2025 05:58

How about a play tea set with squash in the tea pot? I find if they are in charge of pouring etc the fun of it takes the pressure off.

UnusualBear · 03/06/2025 23:11

Thanks so much for all the suggestions (and especially the reassurance!)

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UnusualBear · 03/06/2025 23:16

Lammveg · 03/06/2025 00:26

Do you leave the drinks out and they're accessible to her? As in so she has the choice to drink.

Does she see you drink water etc? Maybe ham it up a little 'wow i love water/milk/whatever'.

Unfortunately as soon as she notices it, she'll move it as far away from her as possible, or even hide it behind the sofa.

Great idea to exaggeratedly enjoy drinking though - she does love to copy grown-ups.

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ChocHotolate · 03/06/2025 23:30

If you get desperate - jelly, watermelon and ice pops have very high water content. Not what you asked, I know but might be useful in the future x

NuffSaidSam · 03/06/2025 23:35

If she's having so much 'wet' food, perhaps she's just not thirsty.

I'd carry on with the wet foods. Get matching water bottles for you and her. Full in the morning. Show her where it is and then just crack on. You drink out of yours regularly. Don't encourage or bribe or nag or make it a big deal in any way. Let her drink when she's thirsty.

TheOriginalCrazyLady · 03/06/2025 23:46

Would she respond to going and purchasing a new "big girl cup"? My children always found a new cup or drinks bottle very exciting, especially if they had chosen it themselves. Don't make a special trip, but if you happen to go to a supermarket or something.
Oh that & adding ice cubes, they liked the noise of them in their cups

UnusualBear · 04/06/2025 11:45

ChocHotolate · 03/06/2025 23:30

If you get desperate - jelly, watermelon and ice pops have very high water content. Not what you asked, I know but might be useful in the future x

Ice pops are a fab idea - thank you!

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UnusualBear · 04/06/2025 15:09

Update: she just drank 2 full sippy cups of squash!!! Just went unprompted to the corner of the room where she had stashed the cup, chugged it down and held it up for a refill. I'm so relieved😅Thanks so much for your help, everyone!

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UnusualBear · 04/06/2025 15:09

At least I know what to do if (more like when!) the little so-and-so does it again 😁

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