Too Much Water???

I would check with your pediatrician. I personally have received conflicting advice on this. My daughter is 2 also and about a year ago we had her in the ER in MI with croup and they specifically told us not to give her too much water because it wasn't good for her. They suggested to mix gatorade with water or mix a juice that is truly 100% juice with water every now and then. But, then our pediatrician here said there is nothing wrong with too much water and that gatorade has too much sugar. So, I have chosen to find a balance between the two. I hope you are able to find the answer. I think it may be a matter of opinion

I just did a quick google and got this,

http://www.earthsbest.com/toddler_nutrition/faqs/other.php

"How much water should my toddler drink every day?

According to the Institute of Medicine, a child between the ages of one and three needs about 1.3 liters of water a day. Keep in mind that total water intake reflects the sum of plain drinking water and the water content of all foods and beverages consumed during the day. That means your toddler may meet much of his water need from the milk, juice, fruits, soups, yogurt, etc. that he is eating. In order for your child to fulfill his fluid needs without an obligatory intake of unnecessary calories, be sure to offer plain water during meal and snack time, and between times in response to thirst. Many factors will affect your child's unique need for water including the climate you live in... a hot, dry climate will increase a child's need for fluid, activtiy level... active kids will need more water than sedentary ones, and fever or other physiological conditions may increase a child's need for water. Normal hydration can be maintained over a wide range of water intakes. The body has many mechanisms for achieving water balance. If not enough water is drunk, the kidneys will conserve water, and when fluid intake is high, urine output will increase. One way to make sure your child is drinking enough water is to pay attention to his urine output. If he is urinating frequently and the urine is pale yellow and with little smell, he's getting enough, but if his urine is bright yellow and acrid smelling, it's a good indication he's not getting enough fluid and his urine is very concentrated. Offer him plenty of plain, refreshing water to get back into balance. It's rare to get too much water and you needn't worry about that with a toddler who is allowed to drink in response to needs. "

This is a very good thing! Most kids are walking around dehydrated because they drink milk or juice all day. Kids and adults need to drink a minimum of half their body weight in ounces of water each day. So for example if he weighs 30 lbs, he needs a minimum of 15 ounces. Those who are more physically active need to drink more. Watered down juice and other beverages that contain water don't count because they don't hydrate the body like pure water.

G. G.
Certified Health Coach

i am interested in this as well, because my 30 month old could drink all day if i let her. in the morning she drinks 8 oz water, and she drinks 8 oz every time she asks for water. i don't give my kids juices. so they only get 8 oz milk at bedtime and water throughout the day
here's what i found at earths best this will help you (and me)
According to the Institute of Medicine, a child between the ages of one and three needs about 1.3 liters of water a day. Keep in mind that total water intake reflects the sum of plain drinking water and the water content of all foods and beverages consumed during the day. That means your toddler may meet much of his water need from the milk, juice, fruits, soups, yogurt, etc. that he is eating. In order for your child to fulfill his fluid needs without an obligatory intake of unnecessary calories, be sure to offer plain water during meal and snack time, and between times in response to thirst. Many factors will affect your child's unique need for water including the climate you live in... a hot, dry climate will increase a child's need for fluid, activtiy level... active kids will need more water than sedentary ones, and fever or other physiological conditions may increase a child's need for water. Normal hydration can be maintained over a wide range of water intakes. The body has many mechanisms for achieving water balance. If not enough water is drunk, the kidneys will conserve water, and when fluid intake is high, urine output will increase. One way to make sure your child is drinking enough water is to pay attention to his urine output. If he is urinating frequently and the urine is pale yellow and with little smell, he's getting enough, but if his urine is bright yellow and acrid smelling, it's a good indication he's not getting enough fluid and his urine is very concentrated. Offer him plenty of plain, refreshing water to get back into balance. It's rare to get too much water and you needn't worry about that with a toddler who is allowed to drink in response to needs.
good luck
V.

My son is 7 and water is all he drinks. This has been going on since he was 2. He is autistic and has never drank anything but water until he went to school. He goes to the bathroom quite frequently because of this and we had him tested for diabetes because of his need to drink water. It was negative. Our pediatrician says that drinking this much water is perfectly fine. She just suggests giving him yogurt and cheese to make sure he gets his calcium. She says that not drinking juice is fine. Hope this helps.

You know, I was wondering this as well. I've seen the reports of too much water being not good for anyone. My grandmother at 92 was put in the hospital for drinking too much water. It turns out that you can delute the salt in your body and get physically ill from it. I'd talk to your doctor (ped) and get a known fact on that. My daughter drinks alot of water and juice. Sometimes she won't eat because she's too full. But your ped doc will or should have the answer to that question. Good Luck,
Jen

I think as long as he is drinking it as much as he wants it is fine. I do think drinking very large amounts of water very fast can be a problem for anyone of any age, but if it's his decision I doubt he's doing that. If you drink too much too fast then you may throw up. I would also make sure he is getting all nutrients he needs from other sources. Their may be issues with getting enough electrolights, but I don't know much about that.

In response to a couple other posts:
There are some people who say that juice, milk and other beverages don't count for water intake. I doubt that, it may not be as clear and healthy but it ads to the fluid intake your body needs, which is why we all need such high water intake each day. THere are also people that say all fluid intake counts, and that each persons requirements may be different. My daughter doesn't like water and will only take a couple sips from a fountain about once a day, yet she pees pale almost clear pee frequently. In my opinion if the juice and milk is not drank excessively it is not a problem. Plus juices and milk have important nutrients and calories. These may not be good for a child who is overweight, but it should be fine for children who are not.