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at what age can babies drink water

Babies can usually start drinking small amounts of water at around 6 months of age , alongside breast milk or formula, and not before unless a doctor specifically advises it.

Quick Scoop: Key Points

  • Babies younger than 6 months should not be given water; breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need.
  • From about 6 months , you can offer small sips of water (for example in a sippy or open cup) with meals, but milk should still be their main drink.
  • Up to 12 months , breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition and fluids; water is just a small extra.
  • Giving water too early or in large amounts can dilute nutrients in the blood and strain the kidneys, and in severe cases may be dangerous.

Why You Should Wait

For roughly the first 6 months, a baby’s stomach and kidneys are still very immature, and even small amounts of extra water can upset the balance of salts and nutrients in their body. Breast milk and infant formula are designed to give both nutrition and hydration, so extra water isn’t needed, even in hot weather; you can just feed more often if the baby seems thirsty.

Introducing water too early can also make a baby feel full, leading them to drink less milk, which may affect growth and development. That’s why many pediatric groups recommend sticking strictly to breast milk or formula before 6 months unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise.

How Much Water After 6 Months?

Once your baby is around 6 months and starting solids, typical guidance is:

  • Offer small sips of water with meals in a cup, not a bottle.
  • Total water intake from about 4–8 oz (120–240 ml) per day between 6 and 12 months is often suggested, depending on how much milk and solid food they are taking and your doctor’s advice.
  • Until 1 year , milk (breast milk or formula) should still be the main drink; water is just to help with solids and learning to drink from a cup.

Always adjust based on your baby’s size, climate, and any medical conditions, and follow your pediatrician’s specific guidance.

Mini FAQ (Forum-Style)

“My 2‑month‑old seems thirsty in hot weather. Can I give water?”

  • Recommended answer: No —offer more frequent breast or formula feeds instead; they provide all necessary fluid and are safer for young babies.

“My baby accidentally had a small sip of water before 6 months – should I panic?”

  • A tiny accidental sip is unlikely to cause harm in an otherwise healthy baby, but you should call your baby’s doctor for advice and watch for unusual sleepiness, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms.

“When does water become the main drink?”

  • From about 12 months onward , water (plus milk appropriate for their age) generally becomes the go‑to drink, while breast milk or formula can continue based on family choice and medical guidance.

Simple HTML Table (Age & Water)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Baby age</th>
      <th>Can they drink water?</th>
      <th>Notes</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>0–6 months</td>
      <td>No</td>
      <td>Breast milk or formula only, even in hot weather.[web:1][web:3][web:5][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>~6–12 months</td>
      <td>Yes, small amounts</td>
      <td>Offer sips in a cup with meals; 4–8 oz/day is typical, milk stays main drink.[web:1][web:3][web:5][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>12+ months</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>Water and age-appropriate milk become main drinks.[web:3][web:7][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.