When Can Babies Start Drinking Water and How Much Do They Need?

Different parents may have varying opinions on breastfeeding or formula feeding, but there is a clear standard for water intake. The amount of water an infant needs varies at different stages. Both excessive and insufficient water intake can cause problems, so it’s important to understand when to start and how much water is appropriate for infants.

 

When Is the Right Time to Start Drinking Water for Infants?

 

For infants, it's generally recommended to start introducing water at around six months of age. At this stage, they begin consuming solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula. Why six months? Before this time, breast milk or formula provides sufficient hydration, and introducing water too early can dilute essential nutrients, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances and even seizures.

 

By six months, as the baby’s diet expands to include complementary foods, introducing water can help prevent issues like constipation. This is also a time when the baby’s nutritional needs shift, making it appropriate to start incorporating water into their diet.

 

How Much Water Does a Baby Need?

 

Before six months, babies do not need additional water beyond what they get from breast milk or formula. After six months, they should consume between four and eight ounces of water per day, which can be provided alongside their solid foods. It is not necessary to supplement with water throughout the day. Between twelve and twenty-four months, babies can drink between 8 and 32 ounces of water per day. The amount can be gradually increased as the child grows. Some experts suggest adding one more cup of water for each year of age; for example, a two-year-old might drink two cups, and a three-year-old three cups.

 

Signs of Dehydration and Excessive Water Intake

 

Dehydration:

- Fewer than six wet diapers a day

- Fewer tears when crying

- Fewer bowel movements

- Extreme lethargy

- Cold hands and feet

- Sunken eyes and wrinkled skin

 

Excessive Water Intake:

- Abnormally clear or pale urine

- Swollen face

- Hypothermia

- Seizures

- Frequent diaper changes (more than eight a day)

 

References:

WebMD Editorial Contributors, (October 8, 2023), What You Need to Know About Water for Infants

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-you-need-to-know-water-infants

Özge Karakaya Suzan et al, (Jun 30,2023), Water consumption in 0-6-month-old healthy infants and effective factors: A systematic review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10506693/

Karen Veazey, (September 13, 2022), When can babies have water?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/when-can-babies-have-water

Pregnancybirthbaby, (October 2022), When can babies drink water?

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/when-can-babies-drink-water

 

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

by Vincent Jim – September 03, 2024

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