Daughter Constantly Drinking!

Funny you should say this.. I was about to write about my 2.5 year old boy who does the same thing. When he wakes up in the morning he will chug a 9oz cup of milk and then still want more!! It lasts all day long, and like you it doesn't matter what's in the cup as long as it's liquid. I have also looked up diabetes because of the excessive thirst, but I'm not sold on the idea that's the problem. I'm still looking for a reason, no advise here, I just wanted to let you know you're not alone. Good luck, and if you find some reason behind it, let me know!! Good luck.

I babysit 2 2 yr olds and they drink constantly! I keep joking about sending them to Sippy Anonymous! LoL It doesn't matter what's in there: (watered down) juice or Kool Aid, water, milk-- it seems like they are always thirsty. As long as they're dinking it and not wasting it I give it to them. The only time I try to limit their drinking is close to nap time so they don't soak thru their diaper while they're sleeping.

It could be a security thing with her, much like a security blanket or a bottle or pacifier. I would have her blood tested just to be sure it isn't her blood sugar and talk with the doctor just to be on the safe side.

I would talk to her doctor and have her tested for diabetes, just to be sure and hopefully rule it out. My niece has diabetes and that was one of the first symptoms my sister noticed, the second was she started wetting her bed (at age 7).

My kids seem to go through phases where they drink a lot for a few days, and then don't seem to drink as much for a few days. I also have wondered about diabetes, but now that I've watched this cycle a number of times, in both my boys (I didn't see it in #1 until he was almost 4), I think it's just the way their bodies work. Oh--and it's been cold; your house is probably drier than normal, and she's just thirstier.

I would have her tested just to be sure. We have some friends with a son that did the same thing and he tested positive for diabetes (he was 2). It's so common now in children, I hope she's just really thirsty but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Does she eat enough? My 4 year nephew drinks constantly! He throws huge tantrums if you don't refill his cup, he prefers juice, but will drink milk - no water. His parents gave up a while ago and just give him juice when ever he wants - I'm talking a gallon a day or more. He hardly eats anything because he compensates with fluids.

His teeth are now rotting, and he is super hyper due to the excess sugar.

My DD is 2.5 and drinks about 6oz of milk at meals, and 3 6oz cups of water spaced throughout the day.

Sounds like I would take her the doctor just to be sure. I am a RN and your better off finding out for sure than guessing. Good Luck.

My nephew who is almost 3 does this. Its always attatched to his mouth. It is his comfort item! He sucks on that like my little guy uses his nuk! How we get them to stop... who knows! Maybe your little girl is just attached? I'd say as long as she is drinking water or really diluted juice she'll be fine. Maybe brush her teeth a third time everyday just to be safe.

we have a 2 1/3 year old boy who drinks ALL THE TIME...but I have come to the conclusion that it is out of boredom for him. That and he is NOT a pacifier boy and I have heard that if they don't like pacifiers that this fills the oral satisfaction for them. I have it down to ask our pediatrician the next time we go in. Isn't it fun keeping up with the diapers!?!? UGH! Good luck!

I'm going through this myself with my 3yr old daughter. I have diabetes in my family, so I had her checked to be safe. Her numbers are just fine. Let me know if you come up with any ideas... my daughter is asking for her chocolate (milk) first thing when she wakes up!

Good luck,
~SR

You've already got some good advice. Our 3 year old will do the same thing. He will suck on that sippy cup all day long if we let him. As soon as we take the lid off, he doesn't drink nearly as much. I think a lot of it is security issues. Try taking off the lid.

My children 2yrs and 5yrs have always been drinkers. They drink a ton during the summer because of busy outside play and a lot during the winter beacause the air is so dry (we live in a 100 yr old house with radiant heat). If she only drinks things that are healthy like water, milk and diluted juice, in that order, I wouldn't be worried.

yea-id be worried-get her into dr.asap

is she eating high amounts of salt? boxed and canned foods have lots of salt normally.... salt can make people thirsty.
hmmm.
just keep an eye on her, and if there are any red flags going of in your head, take her to the doctor...
good luck.
otherwise, giving her just water is plently good enough for times other than meals. its healthy for her to drink plenty of water.
maybe is it too hot in your house? is she wearing too many clothes and sweaty a lot? i dunno.

I have a daycare and have 3 kids of my own. All of my kids, daycare and my own, are weaned from a sippy at age2. I have found that it helps with potty training. When they aren't drinking as much, they eat better also. This might be something that you might try if it is not a medical problem. Since you work full-time, what does your child care provider think of this?

I would play it on the safe side and get her checked. I worked with a family recently where the girl (now almost 16) did the same thing when she was an itty bitty and was later diagnosed with liver issues. Her mom told me that she tried to control the girl's liquid intake and actually found her sucking water out of a washcloth. That was her wake-up call.

It could just be a behavioral thing, but why take that chance? Get her checked out.

Good luck and good for you for paying such close attention!