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Symptom Checker

A Child Who Will Not Drink

A child who will not drink is refusing or taking much less fluid than usual. This can become a problem when the child cannot replace normal fluid losses.

Sore throat, mouth ulcers, nausea, vomiting, fever, congestion and other illnesses can make drinking uncomfortable. Pain, fatigue and behavioral factors can also reduce fluid intake.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide for a Child Who Will Not Drink

The AAP guide below explains what fluids to offer, how to watch for dehydration and when to call us.

AAP Symptom CheckerNot drinking enough

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

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Symptom CheckerNot drinking enough New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child keeps refusing fluids.
  • Your child urinates much less than usual.
  • The mouth is very dry or your child becomes unusually sleepy.
  • Vomiting prevents fluids from staying down.
  • You are concerned about dehydration.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has severe dehydration, is too weak to stand or is very difficult to wake.
  • Your child has severe trouble breathing or another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on stomach and bowels

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms