What age should babies drink water? Timing and reasons Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe When can babies have water Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D. — By Karen Veazey on September 13, 2022Until around 6 months, babies get all the hydration they need from breast milk or infant formula. After 6 months, babies can drink water alongside their regular milk feeds. For the first 6 months of life, babies need only breast milk or infant formula, which provides all the nutrition and hydration they require. At around 6 months, babies can have small amounts of water, but this should not replace milk feeds. Up to 1 year of age, babies’ primary nutrition should be from breast milk or formula. This article explains what age babies can drink water and how to introduce it. It also discusses other drinks for babies. When can a baby drink water Share on PinterestAnna Cinaroglu/Getty ImagesWhen a baby is 6 months, caregivers can begin offering 4–8 ounces (oz) of water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is also the time that babies can start eating solid foods. Many babies at this age can learn to grasp a sippy cup and bring it to their mouths. They also learn to sit up with support around this time. Why wait until 6 months It is important to wait until a baby is 6 months before introducing water as they need all the nutrients in breast milk and formula. These sources also provide adequate hydration. Providing water before 6 months may mean a baby drinks less breast milk or formula and misses out on important nutrients. Learn about a 6-month-old feeding schedule. What about drinking water in hot weather In hot weather, a caregiver should offer more regular breast milk or formula feeds rather than water unless a doctor recommends it. If the person producing breast milk drinks enough and stays hydrated, their milk will be more watery and hydrating for the baby. If a baby produces 6–8 wet nappies in 24 hours, and their urine is pale, they are getting enough water. Should a baby have water if they have a fever For babies under 6 months, more frequent breast milk or formula feeds may help prevent dehydration during a fever. The baby can have additional water if they are older than 6 months. Caregivers should monitor how much fluid the baby is taking in and look out for symptoms of dehydration, which include:dry mouth and tonguecrying without tearsno wet diapers for 3 hours or moreunusual sleepiness or drowsinessirritabilitysunken eyes Do not introduce water without talking with a doctor first. Learn more about fever in babies. How to introduce water Caregivers can introduce water into the baby’s diet with meals at about 6 months of age. People may choose to boil and cool the water if they are concerned about the safety of the tap water, but this is not usually necessary. Caregivers can check with their public health department or pediatrician if they have questions about giving tap water to a baby. At first, babies can try using a free-flowing cup or lidded beaker without a sip valve. This will help them learn to sip rather than suck. It is also better for their teeth. When the baby is ready, they can try using a cup with handles but no lid. It may be difficult and messy initially, but it should get easier with practice. Caregivers should only put water or milk in a cup without adding anything else, such as sugar, cereals, rice, or chocolate powder. Other drinks for babies The CDC recommends that babies of 6–12 months drink only breast milk or formula and water. After 12 months, babies can drink whole cow’s milk or fortified soy drinks. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends giving whole milk to children until they are at least 2 years as it contains important nutrients. Other drinks caregivers can give children over 12 months include:pasteurized goat’s and sheep’s milksoy, almond, and other milk alternatives as long as they are unsweetened and fortified with calcium Drinks to avoid The CDC and NHS recommend avoiding the following drinks:unpasteurized drinkssugar-sweetened drinkscaffeinated drinksrice milkfruit juice and smoothies Despite containing nutrients, fruit juices and smoothies contain naturally-occurring sugars and acids that can cause dental decay. From 5 years old, children can have about 150 milliliters of undiluted fruit juice or smoothie daily. Summary For the first 6 months of life, babies’ nutrition should come solely from breast milk or infant formula. They get all the hydration they need from these sources. During hot weather or when a baby has a fever, caregivers can offer more regular milk feeds, but water is unnecessary. After 6 months, when a baby starts eating solid foods, caregivers can offer 4–8 oz tap water in a free-flowing cup alongside regular breast milk or formula feeds. After 12 months, babies can drink whole cow’s milk or unsweetened, fortified milk alternatives alongside water. Unpasteurized or sugary drinks are not necessary for babies and young children. Sugary drinks contribute to tooth decay, and unpasteurized drinks may contain bacteria that can be harmful. Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2022Nutrition / DietPediatrics / Children's HealthParenthood06 Months06 Months 1 YearChildMedically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D. — By Karen Veazey on September 13, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhen do babies sit up? Timeline, support, and factorsMedically reviewed by Karen Richardson Gill, MD, FAAP Usually, babies learn to sit up on their own around 6-9 months of age. This can vary, but a baby that cannot sit by themselves after 1 year may…READ MOREWhen do babies start talking?Medically reviewed by Karen Richardson Gill, MD, FAAP Babies typically say their first words between 7–12 months of age. However, all babies develop language at different rates. Learn more here.READ MOREWhen do babies sleep through the night? Tips and guidanceMedically reviewed by Karen Richardson Gill, MD, FAAP Babies will usually start to sleep through the night from the age of 6 months. However, all babies have different sleeping patterns. Learn more here.READ MOREDoes breast milk contain lactose, and how can it affect the baby?Medically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD Human breast milk contains lactose, which plays an important role in development. Read about lactose overload, intolerance, breastfeeding advice, and…READ MORE11 of the best baby lotions of 2022: What to look forMedically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, RN, CCRN, CPN It is important for people to choose baby lotions suitable for sensitive skin. Learn about the best baby lotions, including for treating eczema and…READ MORE