Ask an Expert: Milk instead of water

Children's Health

Milk instead of water
08/20/2008

Question:

Is it ok to give toddlers just milk intead of water? I have an 18 month old son. He drinks 20oz of milk everyday. I give him only mlk instead of water everyday. The reason is because if I offer him water he just keeps on drinking it and wont drink milk after that. He doesn`t prefer eating cheese too. So because of the fear of my son not gettng enough calcium intake I dont give him any water to drink. When he is thursty I only offer him more milk. Am I doing the right thing? Or should I start giving him water daily? Please advice.

Answer:

Thank you for your question about milk intake in toddlers. Overall your child seems to be consuming an appropriate amount of milk per day, between 16 to 24 ounces so you are achieving nutrition goals for basic calcium intake. You mentioned that your child does not choose other foods rich in calcium such as cheese or yogurt. Please continue to offer these foods as toddlers often require multiple exposures to foods before they decide to try them or more importantly like them!
If you are worried about dehydration as you have been offering limited or no water please use your child's thirst as a guide. You may find success with offering a small serving of milk at each meal and snack time and then filling the cup with water after that is completed.

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Response by:

Allison A Macerollo, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University