My Toddler Won't Drink Anything
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to my toddler won't drink anything, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
A toddler who refuses all drinks needs attention as dehydration can develop. If this is a sudden change, illness may be the cause. Try offering fluids in different cups, at different temperatures, and flavored with frozen fruit. Water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and soup also contribute to hydration. If your toddler has not had adequate fluids for 12-24 hours, call your pediatrician.
Key takeaways
- A toddler who refuses all drinks needs attention as dehydration can develop. If this is a sudden change, illness may be the cause. Try offering fluids in different cups, at different temperatures, and flavored with frozen fruit. Water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and soup also contribute to hydration. If your toddler has not had adequate fluids for 12-24 hours, call your pediatrician.
- Usually normal when: Toddler refuses water but drinks milk normally
- Call your doctor if: Toddler has not urinated in 8 or more hours
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, a toddler who refuses all drinks needs attention as dehydration can develop. If this is a sudden change, illness may be the cause. Try offering fluids in different cups, at different temperatures, and flavored with frozen fruit. Water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and soup also contribute to hydration. If your toddler has not had adequate fluids for 12-24 hours, call your pediatrician. At 0-3 months, babies this age who refuse breast milk or formula need immediate medical attention. Do not wait. It is generally considered normal when toddler refuses water but drinks milk normally. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if toddler has not urinated in 8 or more hours.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Babies this age who refuse breast milk or formula need immediate medical attention. Do not wait.
4-6 months
If a baby this age refuses breast milk or formula, contact your pediatrician promptly. Small amounts of water refusal are not concerning since breast milk or formula provides hydration.
6-9 months
If baby refuses water from a cup but still drinks breast milk or formula normally, this is not a concern. If they refuse all liquids including milk, seek medical advice.
9-12 months
If baby is refusing all liquids, check for illness such as sore throat or mouth sores (hand-foot-and-mouth disease). Offer cold liquids which may be soothing. Popsicles made from breast milk or purees can help with hydration.
12-24 months
Drink refusal in toddlers is often temporary and may be related to throat pain, mouth sores, or simple preference. Try different cups, straws, temperatures, and adding frozen fruit to water. Offer water-rich foods. If refusal persists more than 24 hours, watch for dehydration signs and contact your pediatrician.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler won't drink anything and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if toddler has significantly reduced all fluid intake for more than 12 hours.
- Mention if toddler has mouth sores or throat pain that seems to be preventing drinking.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Toddler refuses water but drinks milk normally
- Toddler drinks less some days and more other days
- Toddler prefers one type of cup or drink over another
- Toddler has significantly reduced all fluid intake for more than 12 hours
- Toddler has mouth sores or throat pain that seems to be preventing drinking
- Toddler consistently drinks very little and urine output is low
- Toddler has not urinated in 8 or more hours
- Toddler has dry lips, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or extreme lethargy
- Toddler has been vomiting and cannot keep any fluids down
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler won't drink anything — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that toddler refuses water but drinks milk normally — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if toddler has not urinated in 8 or more hours.
Related Conditions
Baby Not Drinking Enough Water
Babies under 6 months do not need water at all because breast milk and formula provide all the hydration they need. In fact, giving water to young infants can be dangerous as it can cause electrolyte imbalances. After 6 months, small sips of water (2-4 ounces per day) can be introduced with meals as solids are started. By 12 months, toddlers should drink about 1-4 cups of water daily alongside their milk intake.
Baby or Toddler Refusing to Drink Water
Babies under 6 months should not have water at all - breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need. After 6 months, small sips of water with meals can be introduced, but milk remains the primary fluid. Many toddlers prefer milk or juice over plain water, which is normal. Offering water in fun cups, adding fruit slices for flavor, and modeling water drinking yourself can help. Most toddlers get adequate hydration from milk and water-rich foods even if they do not drink much plain water.
My Baby Won't Drink from a Cup
Cup refusal is common, especially if baby is used to bottles or breastfeeding. Most babies can start learning to drink from an open cup or straw cup around 6 months. Patience and repeated exposure are key. Try different cup types, and remember that it is a skill that takes practice.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is my toddler won't drink anything normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler won't drink anything?
When is my toddler won't drink anything normal?
What causes my toddler won't drink anything?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler won't drink anything?
Is my toddler won't drink anything normal at 0-3 months?
Is my toddler won't drink anything normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler won't drink anything?
Does my toddler won't drink anything go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Won't Drink Anything.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler won't drink anything and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if toddler has significantly reduced all fluid intake for more than 12 hours.
- Mention if toddler has mouth sores or throat pain that seems to be preventing drinking.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Toddler has significantly reduced all fluid intake for more than 12 hours
- Toddler has mouth sores or throat pain that seems to be preventing drinking
- Toddler consistently drinks very little and urine output is low
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Toddler has not urinated in 8 or more hours
- Toddler has dry lips, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or extreme lethargy
- Toddler has been vomiting and cannot keep any fluids down
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of my toddler won't drink anything are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if toddler has not urinated in 8 or more hours.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Feeding Concerns
Baby Not Drinking Enough Water
Babies under 6 months do not need water at all because breast milk and formula provide all the hydration they need. In fact, giving water to young infants can be dangerous as it can cause electrolyte imbalances. After 6 months, small sips of water (2-4 ounces per day) can be introduced with meals as solids are started. By 12 months, toddlers should drink about 1-4 cups of water daily alongside their milk intake.
Baby or Toddler Refusing to Drink Water
Babies under 6 months should not have water at all - breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need. After 6 months, small sips of water with meals can be introduced, but milk remains the primary fluid. Many toddlers prefer milk or juice over plain water, which is normal. Offering water in fun cups, adding fruit slices for flavor, and modeling water drinking yourself can help. Most toddlers get adequate hydration from milk and water-rich foods even if they do not drink much plain water.
My Baby Won't Drink from a Cup
Cup refusal is common, especially if baby is used to bottles or breastfeeding. Most babies can start learning to drink from an open cup or straw cup around 6 months. Patience and repeated exposure are key. Try different cup types, and remember that it is a skill that takes practice.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.