How I Get My 1-Year-Old to Drink Water: The BEST Way to Keep Your Toddler Hydrated!

I’m going to be honest with you; I struggle with remembering to give my toddler enough water. It’s one of those little things that can stress you out, especially when navigating the whirlwind of raising two little ones under the age of two. Between diaper changes, mealtimes, and play sessions, the thought of hydration sometimes slips through the cracks. And honestly, I’ve been slacking on my water intake, too!

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During a routine trip to Costco, I had a lightbulb moment. As we wandered through the aisles, we stumbled upon a giant, heavy water bottle that seemed to solve my hydration woes. Now, you might be wondering how a large, heavy water bottle could help with someone’s water intake, let alone a toddler’s. Let me share with you the awesome reasons why I believe this water bottle has become a game-changer in our home.

1. Holds a Ton of Water

Okay, maybe not a literal ton, but this bottle can hold a significant amount of water; 128oz to be exact. It means no shortage of hydration in our house! By having a large-capacity water bottle, I no longer have to stress about whether I’ve filled up the bear bottle for the umpteenth time. Instead, I can focus on other important aspects of my day, knowing that my toddler can hydrate whenever she needs to.

2. Straw Capabilities for Easy Access

One of the best features of this water bottle is its straw capability, which makes drinking incredibly easy. My toddler can sip from it whenever she feels like it, fostering a sense of independence. With a straw, she doesn’t need my constant supervision to get a drink. Instead, she can hydrate on her own terms.

3. Toddler-Proof Design

As any parent knows, anything that comes into contact with a toddler needs to be either indestructible or something you’re okay with losing at any moment. Fortunately, this heavy-duty water bottle can take quite a beating. Its durable construction means that it can withstand the inevitable drops, bumps, and even the occasional (or not-so-occassional) toddler tantrum.

The durability of this water jug means you won’t have to replace it frequently, making it a great investment for families with young children.

4. Encourages Grazing Habits

One of the best aspects of having this water bottle easily accessible is that it encourages a “grazing” approach to hydration. Whenever my toddler sees the bottle, she can sip from it. If she happens to stub her toe on the bottle, she sips. And when she finally feels thirsty, she finds the bottle right there waiting for her in the middle of our living room.

This method has been fantastic for us. Instead of constantly reminding her to drink, she can hydrate on her own. The convenience of having the bottle nearby means fewer battles over hydration and a more relaxed environment overall. And let’s be honest—less fuss over drinking equals a happier mommy!

5. Keeps Water Cool

While I’m not particularly picky about the temperature of my water, my toddler is a different story. She’s developed a distinct preference for chilled water, and I’ve discovered that insulated water bottles work best for her. The insulation keeps the water cool for longer periods of time, ensuring that every sip is refreshing.

Having a water bottle that maintains a pleasant temperature is a small detail that can make a big difference in a toddler’s willingness to drink. When the bottle is at the right temperature, my toddler is more likely to grab it for a sip.

6. Easy Transition to Self-Hydration

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” With this water bottle, you don’t even need to do the leading anymore! By teaching my toddler that water is inside, she quickly learned to go to the bottle whenever she wanted a drink. All of a sudden, my little “horse” became self-sufficient in staying hydrated!

This transition has been empowering for both of us. It allows her to take ownership of her hydration and gives me a sense of relief knowing that I don’t have to be the one constantly reminding her to drink. We have enough to think about already, am I right?

7. Establishing a Hydration Routine

While having a large water bottle is incredibly convenient, It was also important to me to establish a hydration routine for my toddler. We’ve begun to incorporate drinking water into our daily activities. For instance, after meals and during playtime, I’ll remind her to take a sip from her water bottle. This consistency helps reinforce the habit of staying hydrated, making it more likely she’ll remember to drink throughout the day and solidifying the fact that her water is still in the same spot for whenever she needs it.

As a busy parent, finding ways to integrate hydration into our routines has proven beneficial. It sets a positive example and encourages my toddler to follow suit. Plus, it helps me stay accountable for my own hydration needs.

8. Bonding Over Hydration

Another unexpected benefit of our hydration journey has been the bonding time it creates. Whenever I fill up the water bottle, or we sit down for a sip together, it becomes a cute moment of connection. I can chat with her about the importance of drinking water or even make it a fun game.

Involving my toddler in the process of filling up her water bottle helps her feel included. It turns something as simple as hydration into an interactive experience, fostering a sense of responsibility while strengthening our bond.

The Ultimate Convenience: Sitting on the Floor

Now, here’s the best part: this giant water bottle can just sit on the floor in our living room. It’s right there for my toddler to access whenever she wants! This convenience has been revolutionary for us. The fact that she can simply walk over and take a sip without needing my help or prompting means I can relax a bit more, knowing she can hydrate on her own schedule.

With this water bottle sitting on the floor, I’ve found it to be a significant asset to our daily routine. The combination of its easy access, durability, and ability to keep water cool has transformed the way we approach hydration in our family. 

Final Thoughts

Hydration is vital for both toddlers and parents, and this big ole’ water bottle has become a lifesaver in our home. From its generous capacity to its toddler-proof design and convenient straw feature, it’s helped both my toddler and me stay hydrated amidst the chaos of parenting two little ones.

As busy parents, we often juggle multiple responsibilities, but finding simple solutions—like this water bottle that can sit on the floor—can make a significant impact. With the right tools and strategies in place, keeping our kids (and ourselves!) hydrated can be an achievable goal.

If you’re also struggling to keep your little one hydrated, consider investing in a quality water bottle that caters to both of your needs. It might just change your daily routine for the better!

With Magic, Gabby
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