My Toddler Doesn’t Like Water — But Here’s What We’re Doing Instead
If you’ve ever said, “My toddler barely drinks water — she just nurses all day,” you're definitely not alone. My 18-month-old still nurses throughout the day and night, and truthfully? She's never been big on plain water - most of the time she spits it out for fun.
But hydration is important — especially during growth, digestion, healing (like eczema or gut issues), or if you’re following a nutrient-dense diet like GAPS or Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) inspired eating. So, instead of pushing plain water, we’re exploring gentle, mineral-rich, kid-approved infusions using real fruit and herbs.
Let’s talk about why this matters, what we’re trying, and how to make it nourishing and easy.
Why Toddlers Sometimes Refuse Water
Breastmilk is hydrating, mineral-rich, and comforting. If your little one is still nursing frequently, they may simply not need as much extra fluid — yet.
Their taste buds are developing. Plain water just isn’t exciting! Especially compared to the naturally sweet, creamy milk they’re used to.
They may be getting hydration from food — soups, yogurt, fruits, soft veggies, and broths all count.
But as toddlers become more active and begin to wean, building positive water and hydration routines matters — and infusions are a beautiful way to start.
Why Hydration Matters for Toddlers (Even if They Nurse Often)
Breastmilk is still an amazing source of hydration and nutrients for toddlers. But as solids increase, and especially on warmer days or during times of illness, offering extra fluids is helpful. Here's why:
Hydration supports digestion. Without enough water, their little systems can get sluggish — leading to constipation or harder poops.
Water is needed for detox. Whether you’re doing meat stock, ferments, or just real food healing — the body needs hydration to flush out metabolic waste.
Electrolytes and minerals matter. Toddlers need magnesium, potassium, and sodium to regulate their nervous system, skin, and brain health — and infusions can be a fun, gentle way to offer these.
Low water intake can sometimes worsen histamine reactions. If your child struggles with eczema or allergies, this is one more reason to keep fluids consistent.
Now onto the fun part — what we’re trying!
What We’re Trying Instead: Nourishing Infusions for Toddlers
Infused waters are just what they sound like — filtered water steeped with fruit, herbs, or spices. The result? Light flavor, gentle sweetness, and extra nutrients.
These infusions are a great way to transition your toddler toward drinking more liquids outside of nursing, without pushing sugary juices or commercial electrolyte drinks.
🍎 Our Favorite Fruit Infusions (So Far)
Here are a few simple combos we’ve tried and loved:
Apple + Cinnamon Stick
(Slice up half an organic apple + a cinnamon stick in 8–12 oz filtered water. Steep overnight in the fridge.)Pear + Strawberry
(Soothing, gentle on digestion, lightly sweet — perfect for picky little ones.)
Toddler-Safe Herbal Add-Ins for Extra Support
From a GAPS or Weston A. Price perspective, the best toddler hydration isn't just about water — it's about minerals, enzymes, and gut support. Here are some gentle herbal ideas:
Chamomile Flowers
Calming for digestion, great for teething or nap support. Use just a pinch for toddlers, steeped with fruit.Lemon Balm
A kid-safe nervine (relaxing herb) that supports the nervous system and gut-brain axis. Beautiful when paired with blueberries or apples.Nettle Leaf (very mild)
High in trace minerals, iron, and calcium. Best in small amounts — try mixing with cucumber and pear for a green “spa water.”Fennel Seed
Aids digestion and calms gas. Use 3–4 seeds steeped with apple or pear slices.
⚠️ Always introduce herbs one at a time, in very small amounts, and observe your child. Herbal infusions should be gentle, not medicinal-strength.
🫖 5 Toddler-Friendly Infusion Recipes (GAPS/WAPF + Herbal Approved)
These are gentle, flavorful, and nourishing — and help transition little ones toward more fluid intake, while supporting their microbiome.
1. Apple Chamomile Calm
For relaxation and digestion.
3 thin slices of organic apple
A pinch of dried chamomile flowers (1/4 tsp max)
8 oz filtered water
→ Steep in fridge 2–4 hrs. Strain.
Why it helps: Chamomile calms nerves and tummies. Apple adds sweetness and gut-healing pectin.
2. Blueberry Lemon Balm Happy Water
For gut-brain balance and flavor curiosity.
1 tbsp fresh/frozen blueberries
A pinch of lemon balm
Optional: thin strip of lemon peel
10 oz filtered water
→ Muddle berries, add the rest, refrigerate 3+ hrs. Strain.
Why it helps: Lemon balm gently lifts mood and calms nerves. Blueberries add polyphenols and antioxidants for the microbiome.
3. Pear Fennel Digestion Support
Great for tummy troubles and picky eaters.
2 slices ripe pear
3 crushed fennel seeds
8 oz warm filtered water
→ Steep for 30 mins, strain well.
Why it helps: Fennel relieves gas and bloating. Pear hydrates and soothes.
4. Cucumber Nettle Mineral Boost
For extra minerals and gentle skin support.
3 cucumber slices
A pinch of dried nettle leaf
10 oz filtered water
→ Steep overnight in fridge, strain.
Why it helps: Nettle adds calcium, iron, and magnesium. Cucumber keeps it fresh and cooling.
5. Watermelon Basil (or Mint)
Summer hydration with natural sweetness.
2 tbsp mashed watermelon
1 torn basil leaf
Optional: 1 mint leaf (skip if nursing supply is sensitive)
8 oz water
→ Steep 2–3 hrs, strain.
Why it helps: Watermelon is hydrating and mineral-rich. Basil supports the gut and immune system.
Hydration Tips for Toddlers
Use stainless steel or silicone straws — fun makes a difference!
Offer hydration after nursing or before meals.
Avoid added sugars, stevia, or juices.
Reuse mason jars, silicone lids, or even open-top cups for older toddlers.
Always strain out herbs well and start with small amounts.
Want to Make It Even More Nourishing?
Here are a few add-ons you can experiment with for extra gut, immune, or mineral support:
Ceylon cinnamon stick: Anti-inflammatory and blood-sugar balancing
Clove (1–2 max): Antimicrobial and gentle on digestion
Ginger slice: Warming, supports digestion (steep only briefly!)
A splash of sauerkraut brine: Adds probiotics + natural sodium (tiny amount, dilute well)
Coconut water cubes: Electrolyte-rich and toddler-approved frozen into fruit cubes
How to Make Any Gentle Toddler Infusion
Ingredients:
1–2 slices of fresh fruit (apple, pear, cucumber, etc.)
Optional: pinch of dried herb (like chamomile or lemon balm)
8–12 oz filtered water
Instructions:
Add fruit + herbs to a mason jar or toddler-safe water cup.
Fill with filtered water.
Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
Strain out herbs before serving, or use a mesh straw.
Serve chilled or room temp.
Why Infusions Work: The Science + GAPS Perspective
Hydration without the sugar
Fruit-infused water gives flavor and nutrients without the blood sugar spike of juice.Gentle gut support
Many of the herbs listed above help soothe the gut lining, balance the microbiome, and support the developing nervous system.Electrolyte balance
Fruits like banana, melon, cucumber, and berries contain potassium and minerals that help regulate fluid balance — crucial for growing toddlers.Hydration for nursing toddlers
If your toddler is still nursing often, infusions offer a no-pressure way to encourage fluid variety and keep up with their increasing needs.
Hydrating Foods Count, Too!
If your toddler isn't drinking much water yet, don’t worry. Many whole foods provide excellent hydration and mineral support:
Ripe fruit: watermelon, pears, oranges, berries, banana
Bone-based meat stocks (offered in sippy cups or soups)
Raw milk kefir or yogurt
Soft veggies like zucchini, squash, cucumbers
Cottage cheese, smoothies, or chia puddings
These still “count” toward their hydration — and often come with beneficial fats, proteins, or ferments for bonus nourishment.
Tips to Gently Encourage Hydration
Let them help make the infusion!
Serve with a silly straw, or in a mini open cup
Offer cold and room temp — see which they prefer
Drink yours at the same time — toddlers mimic!
Make it a calming routine: “afternoon tea time,” anyone?
Final Thoughts for Mama
If your toddler isn’t drinking much plain water, take a deep breath — and look at the big picture.
Breastmilk is still doing an incredible job.
Hydrating foods are doing their part.
And by offering beautiful, real-food based infusions, you're building habits rooted in nourishment and calm.
Hydration isn’t just about the water — it’s about what the body can absorb, utilize, and feel good with.
You’re doing more than enough. Keep going, mama.
Want even more toddler nourishment ideas like this — without the overwhelm?
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You’ve got this — and I’m right here with you 💛