Can Babies Drink Water? Here’s How to Keep Your Baby Hydrated

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Water is important for normal body function in children and adults. On top of that, having a glass of water can feel so refreshing. So it may have you wondering if and when your baby needs to drink water. It may surprise you, but babies don't need to drink water like adults do. Let's take a closer look at why babies don't need to drink water, and how they are able to stay hydrated.

Do I have to give my baby water?

No, you don't have to give your baby any water to drink. This may seem odd given the importance of water to the body. Water accounts for about 50% to 70% of a person's body weight. And in newborn babies, this number is even higher - up to 80%.

Despite the health benefits of water, babies younger than 6 months don't need additional water. All of their water needs are met by either the breast milk or formula they're getting.

Human breast milk contains about 85% water. Infant formula is made to mimic breast milk and is mostly made of water as well. Unless you're told by a healthcare professional to do so, no other liquids are needed.

Can a baby have drinks other than breast milk or formula?

Adequate nutrition is important for a newborn's growth and development. Both breast milk and formula provide all the nutrition your newborn needs for the first 6 months of life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), babies can begin to have complementary foods at 6 months old. At this time, about one-half of nutritional needs can be met with other foods. And between 6 and 12 months of age, about two-thirds of a baby's nutrition requirements can be filled using other foods.

Drinks like juice and milk shouldn't be given to a baby younger than 12 months. Soda, caffeinated, or sugar-sweetened drinks shouldn't be offered as drinks for babies of any age.

Is it dangerous to give water to a baby?

Introducing water to a baby too early can have serious effects. Since babies' tummies are small, filling their stomachs with water can decrease the amount of breast milk or formula they drink. This can decrease the intake of calories, vitamins, and nutrients they need to grow - affecting their development.

Giving water or other liquids can also be risky because babies' kidneys aren't able to handle the extra fluids properly. This extra water can cause dangerous electrolyte changes leading to:

• Seizure

• Coma

• Brain damage

• Death

When should babies start drinking water?

Babies can start drinking water at 6 months of age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a small amount of water can be offered in a sippy cup, strawed cup, or open cup with meals. But, it's important to remember that water will not replace the nutrition received from breast milk or formula. Recommended amounts of water intake for children are listed below.

Recommended water intake for infants and children

What is the best water to give my baby?

When giving water to your baby, it's best to use a safe source. Unless there are reports of contamination, your tap water is considered safe for use. But it's best to boil it first to remove any harmful bacteria, and let it cool before giving it to your baby.

If you have well water, there may be toxins, bacteria and other contaminants in the water that aren't removed by boiling. To find out if your water is safe, you can contact your local health department or state environmental agency. Distilled or purified water may be best to give your baby in these cases, if possible. These types of water have already had toxins removed and don't require boiling.

Other kinds of bottled water may also be an option for your baby. But, be careful. Unless it's distilled or purified bottled water, you'll still have to boil it and let it cool first.

When using formula to feed your baby, you also need to consider how much fluoride is in the water you choose. Fluoride may already be present in infant formula. You'll want to be careful because tap water also has fluoride added, while most bottled water doesn't. Too much fluoride for a baby can cause fluorosis - a condition that causes tooth discoloration in developing teeth.

A healthcare professional can advise which type of water you should use and how best to prepare it.

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