How much water should 3 yr old consume daily after tonsillectomy? she just came off i.v.s 12 hours ago but is refusing pain meds and fluids.

Ask pediatrician: Although it is true that an ENT doctor performed the surgery, I would ask your pediatrician exactly what volume of fluid your child needs to ingest. Tonsillectomy is a very, very painful operation requiring at least 10 post-op recovery days. It is not uncommon for a 3 year old to refuse to swallow. But remember, your child can swallow, it just hurts. Be patient; there is no magic way.

Enough to pee: Such a kid should pee at least every 8 hrs. More than 12 becomes worrisome. If you need to use popsicles, chilled applesauce, smashed grapes, ice cream, etc. they all count as fluid value. Concentrating on an artificial number is not helpful.