When Can Babies Drink Water? Guidelines by Age

It seems simple—everyone needs water, right? But for babies, water is more complicated than you might think. In the first months of life, water can actually be dangerous, and even after that, knowing how much to offer matters. Understanding the guidelines helps keep your baby safe and properly hydrated.

Why Babies Don't Need Water Early On AAP

For young babies, milk provides all the hydration they need.

Breast milk and formula provide:

• All the water baby needs
• Essential nutrients water doesn't have
• Proper balance of fluids and electrolytes
• Complete hydration even in hot weather

Why water is unnecessary before 6 months:

• Breast milk is about 88% water
• Formula is mostly water
• Baby's small stomach should be filled with nutrition, not water
• Water displaces needed calories

The Dangers of Water for Young Babies AAP

Water before 6 months isn't just unnecessary—it can be harmful.

Water intoxication risk:

• Baby's kidneys can't handle excess water
• Can dilute sodium in blood (hyponatremia)
• Symptoms: seizures, coma, brain damage
• This is rare but serious

Other concerns:

• Fills tiny stomach without providing nutrition
• Can lead to poor weight gain
• May interfere with breastfeeding
• Disrupts feeding schedule

Even small amounts matter:

• Young babies have very small stomachs
• 2-3 oz of water can be significant for a small baby
• Not worth the risk before 6 months

Water Introduction by Age AAP

When and how to introduce water.

0-6 months:

• No water needed
• Breast milk or formula provides all hydration
• Don't offer water in bottles or cups
• Even in hot weather, extra milk is better than water

6-12 months:

• Small amounts can be introduced
• Around 2-4 oz per day is enough
• Offer in a cup (good for learning)
• Water is supplement, not replacement for milk

12 months and beyond:

• Can drink water freely
• Offer water throughout the day
• Still getting hydration from milk and foods
• Water becomes main drink (with milk)

How Much Water at 6-12 Months AAP

Practical guidelines for water during this transition period.

Amount:

• 2-4 oz per day is typical
• Offer sips throughout the day
• Don't need to track precisely
• Less is safer than more

When to offer:

• With meals (start introducing cups)
• Between feedings occasionally
• Not replacing milk feeds
• Not before or during breastfeeding/bottle sessions

What counts as water:

• Plain water
• Not juice (different considerations)
• Not flavored water
• Not diluted formula

Signs of Dehydration AAP

Know when baby needs MORE fluids (from milk).

Signs to watch:

• Fewer wet diapers (fewer than 6 per day after first week)
• Dark yellow urine
• Dry mouth or lips
• No tears when crying
• Sunken soft spot (fontanelle)
• Lethargy or unusual sleepiness

If baby seems dehydrated:

• Offer more breast milk or formula
• Not water—milk provides electrolytes too
• Contact pediatrician if concerns persist
• Dehydration can be serious in babies

When dehydration risk is higher:

• During illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Hot weather
• If baby is refusing feeds

Hot Weather Hydration AAP

Many parents wonder about water in hot weather.

For babies under 6 months:

• Still no water needed
• Offer breast milk or formula more frequently
• Stay in cool environments
• Watch for signs of overheating

For babies 6-12 months:

• Offer small amounts of water in addition to milk
• Continue frequent milk feeds
• Dress baby appropriately for heat
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure

For toddlers:

• Offer water regularly
• Don't wait until they ask
• Provide water with meals and snacks
• Have water available during active play

Water Quality Considerations AAP

When you do offer water, ensure it's safe.

Tap water in most US areas:

• Generally safe for babies over 6 months
• Check your local water quality reports
• If uncertain, use filtered water

Well water:

• Should be tested regularly
• May contain nitrates or bacteria
• Consider using bottled water if uncertain

Bottled water:

• Fine for babies
• Check that it's not high in sodium
• Not necessary if tap water is safe
• Can use for travel or convenience

Filtered water:

• Good option if concerned about tap water
• Most basic filters remove chlorine and improve taste
• Doesn't require buying bottled water

Common Questions About Baby Water AAP

Can I give water if baby has hiccups?
No—hiccups don't require water. They're normal and resolve on their own. Before 6 months, don't give water for hiccups.

What about water in summer months?
Before 6 months, still no water—more frequent milk feeds instead. After 6 months, small amounts of water can help.

Should I give water with solids?
After 6 months, offering sips of water with meals is fine and helps baby learn to use a cup.

Can water help with constipation?
For babies over 6 months, small amounts of water might help, along with fiber from foods. Talk to your pediatrician about constipation solutions.

My mother says babies need water. Is she wrong?
Recommendations have changed. Current evidence shows babies don't need water before 6 months. Kindly share the current guidelines.

Introducing Cups AAP

Water introduction is a good time to introduce cups.

Why cups with water:

• Water is fine to spill (unlike milk)
• Low stakes for learning
• Good sippy cup or straw cup practice
• Helps transition away from bottles later

Cup types:

• Open cup with help
• Soft spout sippy cup
• Straw cup (works well for many babies)
• 360-degree cups

Tips:

• Start around 6 months
• Small amounts of water
• Expect spills
• Be patient—it's a skill

After 12 Months AAP

Water becomes an important part of hydration.

Goals:

• Transition to water as main beverage (besides milk)
• Offer water throughout the day
• Cup skills should be developing
• Begin weaning from bottles

How much water:

• No exact requirement
• 1-4 cups throughout the day
• Let thirst guide (to some extent)
• Plenty available at meals and play

What not to give:

• Juice (limit to 4 oz/day if any)
• Sugary drinks
• Sports drinks (not needed)
• Caffeinated beverages

The Bottom Line

Water is important for everyone—but babies get all they need from milk in the first 6 months. After 6 months, small amounts of water can be introduced alongside continued milk feeds. By 12 months, water becomes a regular part of baby's hydration. AAP

Remember:

• No water before 6 months
• 6-12 months: small amounts (2-4 oz/day)
• After 12 months: water freely throughout day
• Breast milk or formula is the hydration source for young babies
• When in doubt, offer milk, not water

Clara is here when you have questions about water and your baby's hydration needs.