when can you give babies water

Babies under 6 months should not be given water, as it can disrupt their electrolyte balance and lead to serious issues like water intoxication. Breast milk or formula provides all the hydration newborns need, even in hot weather.

Age Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC recommend introducing small amounts of water only after 6 months, alongside solids. Up to 12 months, milk remains the primary drink—water is just a supplement of 4-8 ounces daily.

Here's a quick timeline:

• 0-6 months : No plain water; stick to breast milk/formula.
• 6-12 months : 4-8 oz water/day max, in an open cup or sippy.
• After 1 year : Water becomes a main drink with milk.

Why Wait Until 6 Months?

Babies' kidneys can't handle extra water well before then. Giving it early dilutes sodium levels, risking hyponatremia—symptoms include seizures or lethargy. One real-life story: A parent shared on forums how their 3-month-old got sick after "just a sip" on a hot day; doctors fixed it, but it was a scare. Breast milk is 87% water anyway, perfectly balanced.

Risks if ignored :

• Electrolyte imbalance.
• Reduced milk intake (baby feels full).
• Rare overhydration signs: vomiting, drowsiness.

How to Introduce Water Safely

Start at 6 months with room-temp, fluoride-free water during meals. Use a straw cup to build skills. Trends from 2025 parenting forums (like Reddit's r/NewParents) echo this: Most docs say sippy cups help transition, but overdo it and solids get skipped. Vary sources—AAP vs. WHO align, though some global guidelines tweak for climate.

Age Group| Water Amount| Tips
---|---|---
0-6 months| None| Hydrate via milk only 1
6-12 months| 4-8 oz/day| With solids, not replacing milk 9
1+ years| As needed| Pair with cow's milk 7

Forum Buzz & Myths

Trending now (early 2026) : Hot weather posts spike—"Can I give water in 90°F?" Nope, under 6 months. A nurse's 2025 blog went viral: "One bottle of water nearly cost a baby their health." Multi-view: Some grandparents push old habits ("We gave it early!"), but pediatricians dominate: Evidence-based wait. Blockquote from Healthline : "Newborns have tiny stomachs—water crowds out nutrients."

Always check your pediatrician; every baby differs. TL;DR : No water before 6 months—milk suffices. Small sips after, max 8 oz/day until 1 year.

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