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Expert Q&A:
How can I keep our 22-month-old hydrated, as he spits out everything he drinks?

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Linda Jonides
Answered by Linda Jonides R.N., C.P.N.P.
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"I have worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner (P.N.P.) for over 30 years," says Linda Jonides. "I continue to thoroughly enjoy forming new relationships with parents and newborns and working with them through infancy, childhood, and adolescence."

Linda Jonides is a pediatric nurse practitioner in a private pediatric practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She received her Diploma in Nursing and Certificate as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is a past recipient of the Michigan PNP of the Year Award. She has a B.S. in Nursing from Eastern Michigan University. She has published articles and lectured on childhood obesity, infant colic, role of the P.N.P., growth and development issues, and infectious diseases. She was an author of "Clinical Insights Column," published biannually in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care for nine years. Jonides is past president of NAPNAP. Currently, she is a steering group work member of NAPNAP's HEAT (healthy eating and activity together) project. One outcome of this group's work is the clinical practice guideline, "Identifying and Preventing Overweight in Childhood," that was published as a supplement to the March/April '06 issue of the Journal of Pediatric Health Care.

Ms. Jonides has been married to John, a university professor, since 1971.
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Question


How can I keep our 22-month-old hydrated, as he spits out everything he drinks?

Answer


Yes, he will stop doing this when he realizes this is not the best way to get your attention. Many behaviors at this age are the result of a toddler wanting to show everyone he's in control. And often these behaviors are not the most pleasant. You might try giving him attention by allowing him to choose the container he wants to drink from—a paper cup, a blue cup, a red cup, etc.

If he continues to spit out the liquid, just matter of factly say "We don't spit." If he continues to spit, just take the cup away and say "We're done." Then go on to the next activity. If it's mealtime, let him finish eating and don't worry about liquids. Be sure he watches you as you drink—neatly! Toddlers really want to please their parents, so eventually he'll figure it out that this spitting game does not please you and will not get your attention.

Keep in mind that many foods he eats contain water, and it is very unlikely that he would get dehydrated. You can also offer juice Popsicles as extra liquid. Good luck!
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