Water needs may vary quite a bit from baby to baby as well as from day to day. Introducing water too early or diluting formula or breastmilk with water can be dangerous for your baby because it affects the balance of electrolytes in the blood and can lead to seizures. It is not intended to replace breastmilk or formula, which still provides all the water your baby needs.īabies younger than 6 months should not be offered water or any other fluids besides breastmilk or formula, which is sufficient, even on hot days. Any water your baby drinks at this age is meant to get them used to its taste and introduce the skills needed for cup drinking. Offer a few sips of water from an open cup or straw cup at mealtimes. When can I introduce water to my baby?īabies can begin to have small amounts of water when they start solids at around 6 months of age. After that, water is the best-choice beverage alongside plain cow’s or nondairy milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing water for babies from the age of 6 months, although breastmilk or formula will remain their main beverage until they reach 1 year. However, babies meet their needs a little bit differently. As adults, we usually think of meeting our water needs by assessing the amount of water we drink each day. Water helps to carry nutrients throughout the body, lubricate joints, and regulate digestion and body temperature. Why is it important for babies to drink water?ĭrinking water is important for everyone, including babies, since it has so many vital functions in the body. By 1 year of age, that amount drops to about 65%.īut what does this mean for babies? Should they be drinking water throughout the day like the rest of us? The answer is - it depends! Keep reading to find out when it is appropriate to start offering your baby water and how much they need. Babies have the largest percentage of body water, about 78% at birth. Drinking enough water is essential for optimal health and well-being.
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