when should babies start drinking water
Babies are generally ready to start drinking small amounts of water at around 6 months of age, alongside breast milk or formula, unless a pediatrician gives different advice for a specific medical reason. Before 6 months, they should only have breast milk or infant formula, even in hot weather, because these provide all the hydration they need and extra water can be harmful.
Why not before 6 months?
Newborns and young infants have very small stomachs, so water can fill them up and cause them to drink less breast milk or formula, leading to poor weight gain and fewer nutrients. Too much water can also dilute the sodium levels in a baby’s blood (water intoxication), which in severe cases can lead to irritability, drowsiness, seizures, or other serious problems. Health organizations therefore advise against giving water to babies under 6 months, even in hot climates; offering more frequent milk feeds is the safer way to keep them hydrated.
When to start and how much
Most pediatric and public health guidelines suggest starting water around 6 months, usually when solids begin.
- From birth to 6 months:
- No extra water; rely completely on breast milk or infant formula for both nutrition and hydration.
- Around 6 to 12 months:
- Offer small sips of water with meals, often totaling about 4–8 ounces (120–240 ml) per day, while breast milk or formula remains the main drink.
- After 12 months:
- Water gradually becomes the main everyday drink, while milk and solid foods provide most calories and nutrients.
Caregivers are often encouraged to use an open cup, straw cup, or sippy cup at this stage so the baby can practice cup-drinking skills.
Signs to watch for
Introducing water is usually straightforward, but a few warning signs mean a baby needs medical attention rather than more water.
- Possible dehydration:
- Fewer wet diapers than usual, very dark urine, dry mouth, no tears when crying, or unusual sleepiness.
* In this situation, caregivers are advised to contact a pediatrician promptly for guidance instead of trying to fix it at home with large amounts of water.
- Possible overhydration:
- Unusual drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, muscle cramps, or very rapid breathing may be signs of too much water or overly diluted formula and need urgent assessment.
Because illnesses, hot weather, and individual health conditions can change what is safe, pediatricians recommend checking with a baby’s doctor before giving water earlier than 6 months or in larger amounts than typically advised.
Simple age guide (HTML table)
| Age | Water recommendation | Main source of hydration |
|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | No extra water; even in hot weather, give more frequent breast or formula feeds instead. | [7][3]Breast milk or infant formula only. | [5][3]
| 6–12 months | Small amounts (about 4–8 oz per day) offered in sips with meals and snacks. | [5][3]Breast milk or formula remains the primary drink and main source of calories. | [3][5]
| 12+ months | Water becomes the go‑to drink throughout the day, offered with meals and between them. | [5]Water for hydration, plus milk and solid foods for nutrition. | [5]
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.