According to the Institute of Medicine, the recommended water intake for toddler aged one to three is 1.3 liters per day; that’s about 44 fluid ounces, or the equivalent of five and a half cups of water. However, this number does not take into account factors such as summer heat or an intense activity level. If you are at the park or playground, hit the water fountain a few times to compensate for the extra activity.
Toddler also gets water by consuming other beverages including milk and 100 percent fruit juice. About 20 percent of childrens’ daily water intake typically comes from foods that have a lot of moisture/water content including juicy fruits (such as watermelon), vegetables, cooked grains, and soups.
Good hydration helps toddler to maintain a healthy weight, improve concentration, reduce the risk of chronic disease. It also helps to reduce common problems like constipation and urinary tract infections.
The best way to tell if your toddler is getting enough fluids is to check his urine. If he is getting enough, his urine will be light-coloured or colourless.
It is not a good idea to give your child more than the recommended amount of fluids per day. If you do, it may cut his appetite for solid foods that have other essential nutrients like iron and vitamins.