Getting kids to drink more water is often about making it the easy, everyday choice. When water is visible, part of familiar routines, and always within reach, kids are more likely to drink it without a fuss.
The strategies below are simple, practical ways to help build consistent hydration habits that fit naturally into daily life.
How to Get Kids to Drink More Water: Simple Habits That Work
Simple, practical tips to help kids drink more water daily, including routines, habits, and easy strategies that work at home, school, and on the go.
Why water is the best everyday drink for children
· A simple, refreshing option that supports everyday hydration
· Easy to include alongside daily routines
· Readily available and convenient at home, school and on the go
· Helps build consistent, healthy drinking habits from a young age
7 simple strategies to help kids drink more water
Make water the default (visibility + routine)
· Keep water in sight so it’s the first option they see
· Offer water first before other drink options
· Place bottles where your child already spends time (kitchen bench, school bag area)
· Make it part of regular routines so it becomes automatic
Use “anchor moments” (breakfast / after school / sport)
· Pair water with existing daily moments
· Offer a drink at the same times each day to build consistency
· Include water after school or before/after activities
· Keep these moments predictable and easy to follow
Keep a drink bottle handy (the easiest cue)
· Use a “same bottle, same place” approach to reduce friction
· Encourage taking a bottle to school and outings
· Build a refill routine (morning and after school)
· Keep bottles clean, filled and ready to go
Offer water regularly (before they feel thirsty)
· Gentle, regular prompts can be more effective than big reminders
· Offer small sips throughout the day
· Use natural transitions (leaving home, arriving home, before sport)
· Keep it relaxed and low-pressure
Make water more appealing (temperature, fun cup/bottle)
· Try chilled or room temperature to suit your child’s preference
· Use a straw lid, favourite bottle or “special cup”
· Let kids choose their own bottle to encourage ownership
· Keep it simple and enjoyable
Keep it consistent across weekdays and weekends
· Keep similar routines on weekends to avoid “hydration drift”
· Plan simple “water moments” even on busy or relaxed days
· Maintain familiar habits around meals and outings
· Keep water easily accessible at all times
If your child won’t drink water: quick troubleshooting
· Start small with just a few sips at a time
· Model the behaviour by drinking water regularly yourself
· Reduce friction by keeping water pre-filled and within reach
· Stay consistent and patient as habits build over time
Drinks to limit (and why)
While many drinks can be enjoyed occasionally, water is the best everyday choice. Sugary drinks aren’t ideal as regular habits, and frequent sipping of sweet or acidic drinks may not be great for teeth over time.
A simple approach is to offer water first, with other options enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced routine.
Quick dental note
· Avoid sipping drinks (other than water) for long periods
· Rinse with water after consuming acidic drinks
· Keep “treat drinks” to mealtimes where possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids drink sparkling water?
Sparkling water can be included occasionally, especially if it’s plain and unsweetened. Some children may enjoy it as a variation, but still water remains the best everyday option.
Is sparkling water good for kids?
Plain sparkling water can be a suitable alternative from time to time. However, it’s best used occasionally, with still water as the main source of hydration.
Is sparkling water bad for kids?
Unsweetened sparkling water is generally fine in moderation, though some children may find it fizzy or less comfortable to drink regularly. It’s best not to replace still water as the primary drink.
Can kids drink coconut water?
Coconut water can be offered occasionally as part of a varied diet. It can be a refreshing option, particularly in warm weather, but should not replace regular water intake.
Is coconut water good for kids?
Coconut water can contribute to fluid intake from time to time, but plain water remains the most suitable everyday choice. Keeping it as an occasional option helps maintain balanced habits.
