How much water should a toddler drink?

What the evidence says

For toddlers around 12 to 24 months old, both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest offering about 8 to 32 ounces of plain water a day, alongside their regular milk and meals. This is meant to top up hydration, not replace milk or formula, which still provide most of the calories and nutrients toddlers need at this age.

Canadian guidance (Caring for Kids/CPS) notes that fully breastfed babies don't need extra water, and once a baby starts solid foods, water can be offered occasionally in an open cup, especially between meals if your child seems thirsty.

How much a toddler needs isn't a strict number - it depends on their size, activity level, and the weather. An AAP nutrition expert has noted that kids need more water when it's hot or when they're very active outside, so it's fine to offer extra water in those situations.

A simple approach: offer water with meals and snacks, and let your toddler drink to their own thirst cues rather than forcing a specific amount, unless a doctor has told you otherwise for a medical reason.