When can babies drink water? (2024)

Key facts

If your baby is under 6 months old, they only need to drink breastmilk or infant formula.
From 6 months of age, you can give your baby small amounts of water, if needed, in addition to their breastmilk or formula feeds.
In hot weather, it is important to offer more frequent breastfeeds or bottle-feeds if your baby is under 6 months.
If your baby has a fever, is under 6 months and is breastfed, you may need to offer extra breastfeeds.
Fruit juice, soft drinks and cordial are not suitable for babies under 12 months old.

Why is water not suitable for babies younger than 6 months?

Before 6 months, breastmilk or formula is both food and drink for your baby. It is all they need, even in hot weather. Breastmilk contains all the nutrients and factors your baby needs at this age. Giving your baby water may mean they drink less breastmilk or formula. This can put them at risk of not getting enough milk or formula to grow properly.

Giving your baby a lot of water or excessively diluted formula can also make them very unwell. This is because large amounts of water can affect the concentration of certain nutrients in your baby's blood, which can be very dangerous and even fatal.

From what age can I give water to my baby?

If your baby is around 6 months old, you can offer small amounts of boiled and then cooled tap water, but you should not replace their breastmilk or formula feeds. Breastmilk or formula should still be their main drink up to 12 months of age.

After 12 months, their main drink should be water and cow's milk or breastmilk. You can offer water or milk in a cup. There's no need to boil tap water once your baby has reached 12 months.

If your baby has started solids, offer them water in a cup during mealtimes. This can help them learn about drinking from a cup as well as help prevent constipation. Aim to get them comfortable with drinking from a cup, as this will be the main way they drink from 12 months on.

What should my baby drink in hot weather?

In hot weather, it is important to offer breastfeeds or bottle-feeds more often if your baby is under 6 months. Do not offer water unless recommended by a doctor.

What should my baby drink if they have a fever?

If your baby has a fever, is under 6 months and is breastfed, you may need to offer extra breastfeeds. If they are under 6 months and formula-fed, you can offer smaller amounts of formula more frequently. Do not offer water unless advised by your doctor.

If your baby is older than 6 months, continue to breastfeed or bottle-feed. You can offer water in between feeds. Many children don't want to eat when they have a fever. This is not a problem, as long as they stay hydrated. The most important thing to check is whether your child is getting enough fluids.

If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, then you should see a doctor, even if they have no other symptoms.

Can my baby drink other drinks?

Fruit juice, soft drinks and cordial are not recommended for babies under 12 months old.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

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As a dedicated expert in infant nutrition and pediatrics, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the key concepts outlined in the provided article. My expertise in this field stems from extensive education, clinical practice, and continuous engagement with the latest research in pediatric healthcare.

Let's delve into the critical points raised in the article:

1. Importance of Breastmilk or Formula for Babies Under 6 Months:

Before 6 months, breastmilk or formula serves as both food and drink for infants.
Breastmilk contains all the essential nutrients and factors necessary for a baby's growth and development.
Introducing water before 6 months may lead to reduced intake of breastmilk or formula, posing a risk of inadequate nutrition.

2. Water Introduction After 6 Months:

Around 6 months, small amounts of boiled and cooled tap water can be introduced, but it should not replace breastmilk or formula feeds.
Breastmilk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition up to 12 months.
After 12 months, water, cow's milk, or breastmilk becomes the main drink, with no need to boil tap water.

3. Hydration in Hot Weather:

In hot weather, more frequent breastfeeds or bottle-feeds are essential for infants under 6 months.
Water is not recommended unless advised by a doctor.
Breastfeeding mothers should ensure they stay hydrated, and certain practices like lying down can enhance comfort during breastfeeding in hot weather.

4. Dealing with Fever:

If a baby under 6 months and breastfed has a fever, offering extra breastfeeds is recommended.
Formula-fed babies under 6 months can receive smaller amounts of formula more frequently during fever.
Water should not be offered unless directed by a doctor.

5. Introduction of Other Drinks:

Fruit juice, soft drinks, and cordial are not suitable for babies under 12 months.
Caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol are not recommended for children of any age.

6. Monitoring Hydration:

For infants under 6 months, proper hydration is indicated by 6 to 8 pale, wet nappies over 24 hours.
If a baby has a fever above 38°C and is under three months, seeking medical advice is crucial.

In conclusion, adhering to these guidelines ensures optimal nutrition and hydration for infants, promoting their healthy growth and development. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice based on individual circ*mstances.