01/13/2026
How much water should your children have?
Babies (around 6 months)
Small amounts of water can be introduced. They only need 4–8 ounces per day until age 1 because breastmilk or formula provides most fluids.
Toddlers (1–3 years):
Need about 4 cups of fluids per day, including water or milk.
Young children (4–8 years):
Need about 5 cups per day.
Older children:
Need about 7–8 cups per day.
Sugary Drinks — Best to Avoid
No sugary drinks for children under 2 years old.
Limit sugary drinks for older kids as much as possible.
This includes soda, juice drinks, sports drinks, lemonade, and sweetened water.
Why limit sugary drinks?
They reduce kids’ interest in drinking plain water
Add extra calories with little nutrition
Can reduce appetite for healthy foods
Increase the risk of weight gain, cavities, diabetes, and other health problems
Bottom line:
Water and milk are the best choices for kids.
