When can babies drink water and how to offer it
Updated Oct 10, 2022
Drinking enough water is essential for optimal health and well-being. Babies have the largest percentage of body water, about 78% at birth. By 1 year of age, that amount drops to about 65%.
But what does this mean for babies? Should they be drinking water throughout the day like the rest of us? The answer is — it depends! Keep reading to find out when it is appropriate to start offering your baby water and how much they need.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Why is it important for babies to drink water?
Drinking water is important for everyone, including babies, since it has so many vital functions in the body. Water helps to carry nutrients throughout the body, lubricate joints, and regulate digestion and body temperature. As adults, we usually think of meeting our water needs by assessing the amount of water we drink each day. However, babies meet their needs a little bit differently. More on that below!
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing water for babies from the age of 6 months, although breastmilk or formula will remain their main beverage until they reach 1 year. After that, water is the best-choice beverage alongside plain cow’s or nondairy milk.
When can I introduce water to my baby?
Babies can begin to have small amounts of water when they start solids at around 6 months of age. Offer a few sips of water from an open cup or straw cup at mealtimes. Any water your baby drinks at this age is meant to get them used to its taste and introduce the skills needed for cup drinking. It is not intended to replace breastmilk or formula, which still provides all the water your baby needs.
Babies younger than 6 months should not be offered water or any other fluids besides breastmilk or formula, which is sufficient, even on hot days. Introducing water too early or diluting formula or breastmilk with water can be dangerous for your baby because it affects the balance of electrolytes in the blood and can lead to seizures.
How much water should babies drink?
Water needs may vary quite a bit from baby to baby as well as from day to day. Factors such as the weather and activity level can impact hydration needs. Additionally, high water-containing foods such as fruit, vegetables, and soup can also contribute to water intake.
The best way to know if your baby is adequately hydrated is to watch their diapers. Babies should have at least 6 wet diapers a day to indicate they are adequately hydrated. If you aren’t seeing that, watch for other signs of dehydration and talk to your baby’s pediatrician.
Use the table below as a general guide, and visit Healthy Drinks, Healthy Kids for more expert information from leading health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the American Heart Association.
| 0 - 6 months | 6 - 12 months | 12 - 24 months |
|---|---|---|
| None | 4 - 8 oz | 8 - 32 oz |
| Breastmilk and/or formula provide enough fluids. | Serve a small amount at mealtimes once solids are introduced. | Serve at meals and snacks, as well as throughout the day. |
How should I offer water to baby?
At meals and snacks
Start by offering your baby small amounts of water at meals and snacks. This allows your baby to get used to the taste of plain water and start developing cup-drinking skills. It’s best to keep water to about 1 - 2 oz at a time, so it doesn’t displace breastmilk or formula. Stay with the lower end of the range until your baby is taking larger meals.
In a cup
Offering water in a cup helps babies build lifelong skills such as drinking from a cup or straw. Make sure to choose appropriately-sized cups — they need to fit into small hands — and don’t be afraid to help them! Start with small amounts of water and work your way up as baby masters drinking from a cup.
Consider foods
Fruits, vegetables, and anything that is liquid at room temperature, like soup or popsicles, all contribute to your baby’s overall water intake. Sometimes it may feel like your baby isn’t consuming a lot of liquid, but when you also take a look at their food intake, you may realize they are getting more than it appears.
In a smoothie or popsicle
Making smoothies or popsicles at home is a fun way to offer water as well as to try new fruits and vegetables. They can be especially useful for babies who need extra calories or nutrients because you can pack a lot in a small amount of volume.
Throughout the day
When your baby turns 1 year old, you can begin to have water available more frequently throughout the day. Place a cup out in the kitchen or playroom and let them know they can drink as needed.
What are signs of dehydration in babies?
Dehydration can be dangerous for a baby and severe cases may require hospitalization. If you suspect your baby might be showing signs of dehydration, it’s best to call your pediatrician right away so they can guide you on what’s best to do.
Note: conditions such as vomiting and diarrhea put your baby at increased risk for dehydration.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following are signs of dehydration:
Mild to moderate dehydration:
Less activity than usual
Less than six wet diapers a day
Less saliva or cracked lips
Fewer tears when crying
Sunken soft spot on the head
Severe dehydration (all the symptoms listed above, plus):
Very fussy or overly sleepy
Sunken eyes
Cool, discolored hands and feet
Wrinkled skin
Only 1 or 2 wet diapers in 24 hours
Dry tongue and mouth
No tears when crying
When should I introduce a cup?
Babies can begin using a cup at about 6 months when they start to eat solids. Most feeding experts recommend starting with an open cup or a straw cup as these help to strengthen the muscles used for eating and chewing. Babies will continue to develop their cup-drinking skills through to toddlerhood.
Water for babies FAQ
Q: Can babies have too much water?
A:
Yes, babies can have too much water, and those under 6 months are at an increased risk. Once babies are eating solid foods, it is rare, but it can happen. You can avoid water intoxication in babies by following proper guidelines for introducing water and giving them an age- and activity-appropriate amount. Additionally, do not dilute formula or breastmilk with water.
Q: When can you start giving water?
A:
Babies can begin to drink small amounts of water with meals when they start solids around 6 months.
Q: Do breastfed babies need more water than formula-fed babies?
A:
No, breastmilk is about 87% water, and formula is regulated and made to resemble breast milk. So there is no reason breastfed babies would need more water than formula-fed babies. After 6 months of age, all babies who have been started on solid food should follow the same water guidelines, regardless of whether they are receiving breastmilk or formula.
Q: Is tap water bad for babies?
A:
Generally, tap water is safe for babies. However, it’s best to check to see if your tap water contains fluoride. Using fluoridated tap water to mix formula all of the time increases the risk for dental fluorosis, characterized by faint white markings on their teeth. To reduce the risk, use low- or no-fluoride bottled water to mix formula some of the time. You may also want to verify the safety of the water source before consuming it.
Q: Can babies have sparkling water or flavored water?
A:
It’s best to stick with plain water for babies. This helps them learn to like the taste of plain water before other beverages are introduced while avoiding any additives, sugar, or dissolved minerals that may not be suitable for babies.
Q: How do I know if a baby is drinking enough water?
A:
If your baby has at least 6 wet diapers a day, they are adequately hydrated. This means they are getting enough fluid (including water) from all sources: breastmilk, formula, water, and food.
Q: Is it ok if I serve water in a baby bottle?
A:
It’s best to offer baby water from a cup, if possible. This allows your baby to build important cup drinking skills and helps prevent your baby from consuming too much water. It’s easier to drink from a bottle, which may cause them to drink too much, thus displacing breastmilk, formula, or food with water unintentionally.
Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.
