How do you get LO to drink more?

traveltheworld · June 2013

I've stopped nursing DS (11 months) about 2 weeks ago since my supply has gone out. DS has never liked formula, and would only take about 8 ounces a day - first thing in the morning and right before bed. He'll also drink about 4 - 5 ounces of water from a sippy cup at various times throughout the day. We offer water and formula all the time, at every meal/snack and when he is playing, and he just pushes the bottles/sippy cup away. Same thing at daycare. I don't think he is dehydrated since he still has plenty of wet diapers, but I also don't think he is drinking enough fluids.

Any ideas? I haven't tried juice and am not sure if I want to, but maybe I should??

cedenton · June 2013

I'd get clearance from his pedi, but I would think in this case I'd look a transitioning to WCM a little early.

DiveFrog · June 2013

I still nurse first thing in the morning and at bedtime, but I know DD is not getting a ton from either session based on how quick the sessions are. She does take formula during the day but no more than 8oz. and most days only around 5-6oz. She drinks water too, probably on average another 4-6 oz. So, all totalled she is probably averaging maybe 14-18oz of liquid a day.

It used to concern me, but I reassured myself based on a few facts about DD/babies. 1) She is tiny for her age, so proabably needs less then larger babies. 2) She is an awesome eater! she loves food and eats a lot of fruit and veggies and still some purees which all are high in water/liquid content. She also eats a good deal of meat/cheese/greek yogurt and other food high in protein and calcium so her dietary needs are being met even without more milk/and or formula 3) Babies will rearely if ever dehydrate themselves unless they are sick, or do not have access to liquids (not a concern for us since we always let her have access to her water sippy cup except for at night while she is sleeping)

I would ask your pedi about switching to WCM or another alternative a little early if he is refusing the formula, but I wouldn't stress too much about his overall liquid intake if he is healthy,his output is good and his dietary needs are being met in other ways.

bethCT · June 2013

if he has pleanty of wet diapers and his skin loks good, not sallow or anything, then maybe he is not that thirsty. Try foods like watermelon and other fruits with lots of water if you are concerned, but like everyone else said, call the pedi before you give juice - juice has so much sugar in it, that concerns me. DD is 4 and still does not drink juice (her choice), and I am good with that.

Oh another thought. One of my twins just started drinking from a straw and now drinks TONS of water. She loves the straw! Maye try that.

PaMommy02 · June 2013

I would still offer a bottle of formula every couple hours. If your LO is still refusing it I would just start whole milk. I guess it's kind of pointless to get him adjusted to formula and then in a few weeks transition to milk. Talk go your pedi tho, you don't want your LO to get dehydrated or lack any important nutrients until you start milk. Good luck!

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