How much water should i give my baby 1 to 2 years?
There is no single exact number of millilitres a toddler must drink, but Canadian guidance says to offer water freely between meals for thirst, while capping milk at 500 mL (2 cups), up to a limit of 750 mL/day; a commonly cited figure for plain water alone at this age is about 1-4 cups (8-32 oz) a day.
Needs rise with hot weather or activity, and water should replace juice and sweet drinks as the main thirst-quencher.
Good
Canadian federal guidance (Tier 1) and HealthLinkBC (Tier 1) agree on the overall approach; an international Tier 1 source adds a specific volume range, so this is Good rather than Strong since no Canadian source gives an exact water-only figure.
What the evidence says
There isn't one magic number for how much water your 1 to 2 year old needs every day. Instead, Canadian health guidance focuses on the pattern: offer water between meals and snacks whenever your toddler seems thirsty, and use water as the main drink besides milk.
Health Canada's feeding guidance for this age says to limit fruit juice and sweet drinks, and to offer water to satisfy thirst, while continuing breastfeeding or giving 500 mL (about 2 cups) of cow's milk a day. Milk should not go above 750 mL a day, because too much milk can crowd out solid food and iron.
HealthLinkBC's advice for 1 to 3 year olds follows the same pattern: give milk at meals and snacks only, limit it to no more than 3 cups (750 mL) a day, and offer water between meals for thirst.
If you want a rough volume guide, the American Academy of Pediatrics lists about 1 to 4 cups (8 to 32 ounces) of plain water a day for children aged 12 to 24 months, as part of their overall fluid intake alongside milk. This is a range because needs vary a lot by child size, activity, and weather.
Your toddler will need more fluid, including water, in hot weather or after active play. If you're ever unsure, following your child's thirst cues and offering water regularly between meals is the simplest and safest approach, according to Canadian guidance.
Sources
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Guideline
Infant nutrition - For a young child (12 to 24 months)
Health Canada / Canada.ca
Found: Recommends limiting fruit juice and sweetened beverages and offering water when the child seems thirsty, alongside 500 mL milk/day capped at 750 mL.
Canadian federal guidance for toddlers 12-24 months
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Guideline
Helping your 1 to 3 Year old child eat well
HealthLinkBC
Found: Advises offering milk only at meals and snacks (max 3 cups/750 mL a day) and giving water between meals and snacks for thirst.
Canadian provincial guidance for 1-3 year olds
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Guideline
Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger
HealthyChildren.org (AAP)
Found: Lists suggested daily plain water intake of 8-32 oz (1-4 cups) per day for children aged 12-24 months.
US pediatric guidance with specific age-banded water amounts
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Guideline
What to feed toddlers at 1-2 years
Raising Children Network (Australia)
Found: States toddlers aged 1-2 years need about 4 cups (1 L) of fluid each day, with water as the best drink.
International guideline giving a total daily fluid figure
✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC
Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review
Answer checked November 10, 2026