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Weaning

Can babies drink water?

Article By
Anna
Published On
14 Feb, 2024
Read Time
4 minutes
  • Babies can drink water, as long as they’re 6+ months old, and you’re still prioritising their milk, formula and solid intake. This should be a small amount during or after their usual mealtimes to aid digestion and so your baby can learn how to hold a cup. 

  • Signs of dehydration in babies include: Fewer wet nappies than usual, dark yellow, strong-smelling urine and dry mouth, lips, or tongue. 

As adults, we know how important it is to stay hydrated, but what about babies?

If you've just become a parent, you may be wondering when it'll be ok for your baby to have their first sips of water, and we’re here to set the story straight. 

Let's run through when babies and newborns can drink water, how much water they should drink as they grow and develop, and look into which kind of training cup is best. 

Can a newborn drink water?

No, before the age of six months, babies get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula, even in hot weather, so there's no need for your baby to drink anything except breast milk or formula. 

Why can't babies drink water?

A baby's tummy is small, their brain is still developing, and their kidneys are immature, so giving them water to drink before their system is ready can lead to water intoxication - a serious health condition that occurs when the kidneys are given more water than they can handle. 

If you're worried about water intoxication or concerned that your baby is dehydrated, you should seek medical attention right away.   

When can my baby drink water?

Once they're six months old and you begin weaning, you can offer them a small amount of water at mealtimes (tap or filtered is fine). They won't need a lot, but those few sips alongside a meal will get them used to the taste and also help them learn to drink from a cup. 

As you introduce solid foods, you'll find that your little one's appetite for breast milk or formula starts to reduce, and it's at this point that you can consider introducing water to keep them hydrated, especially as their activity levels increase. 

Ideally, water should be the only alternative drink to breast milk or formula your baby has when weaning. Its natural pH is good for a baby's oral and dental health, and it's the most natural form of hydration. 

If you choose to offer them fruit juice, make sure it's diluted one part juice to 10 parts water, and remember to avoid hot drinks like tea, and other fizzy or sweet drinks that contain artificial sweeteners and lots of sugar.

When can babies drink cow's milk?

Once they turn 12 months old, you may still be breastfeeding, but you can start to introduce your baby to full fat or whole cow's milk, or even pasteurised goat's and sheep's milk if you're feeling adventurous. 

Semi-skimmed milk (1-2% fat) can be introduced from two years of age, but skimmed milk (less than 0.5% fat) isn't recommended until children are five years old. 

Unsweetened oat, almond and soy alternatives are also an option as part of a healthy, balanced diet, but they're not ideal as a main drink unless under certain circumstances or when a healthcare professional such as a dietitian has recommended them.

Make sure to look at their labels and nutrition facts panels to see if they've been fortified with nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and protein as these are really important for a baby's development. 

It's important to note that babies and young children under five years old shouldn't be given rice drinks because of high levels of arsenic. Don't worry if your child has already had rice drinks, there's no immediate risk to them, but it's best to switch to a different kind of milk. 

How much water should my baby drink?

When thinking about how much water your little one should be drinking, it's important to note that water can come from foods as well as drinks. 

Drinks account for about 80% of fluid intake, while food accounts for another 20%. Fruits, vegetables, and milk are all good food sources of water, so a diet rich in these can contribute a higher amount of fluid to the overall intake.

Signs of dehydration in babies

There are several signs to look out for if your baby isn’t getting enough fluids: 

  • Fewer wet nappies than usual (less than six per day after the first week) 
  • Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine 
  • Dry mouth, lips, or tongue 
  • Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the head 
  • Unusual sleepiness, drowsiness, or irritability 
  • Few or no tears when crying 
  • Cool hands and feet or mottled skin 

What are the effects of dehydration on baby development? 

Dehydration can have many effects on your baby’s development, especially as it commonly causes tiredness, poor feeding, slowed weight gain and in severe cases, brain and body development.  

What kind of cup is best for babies? 

Every baby is different, and they’ll soon let you know what they do and don't like. However, there are some general principles that can help when choosing bottles and cups as they grow. 

For milk, a baby bottle with a breast-like teat is best; this helps your baby form a natural latch and makes transition from breast to bottle smoother if you're breastfeeding. 

Once they're old enough to be introduced to water at around six months old, you can consider a cup with handles and either a soft spout or straw. 

You'll probably want a non-spill valve as learning to drink is pretty messy, and by using a cup with a removable valve, your baby can practice free flow drinking, i.e. they don't have to suck. This uses different muscles and is good for their oral development. 

Once they're around a year old, they're usually ready to move on from baby bottles altogether, and your little one may already know if they prefer a spout or straw. Or you could try a sports top bottle, so they feel a little more grown up. 

Before long, they'll be happy drinking from an open cup. 

Babies can drink water, as long as they’re 6+ months old, and you’re still prioritising their milk, formula and solid intake. If you found this article helpful, check out our blog on When Can My Baby Have Cow's Milk or Plant-Based Alternatives? 

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Is it better to give a baby water before or after feeding?

Once your baby is 6+ months, you can feed them small amounts of water during or after feeding; whether that be milk, formula or solids. This will help them learn how to drink out of a cup and supports their digestion. 

You can use cooled boiled water for extra peace of mind, but make sure they’re 6+ months still. 

While it is possible for water to help with constipation for a baby of 6+ months old, milk and a fibre-rich diet is your best bet. 

Yes, you can still give small amounts of water alongside their usual feeds (as long as they're 6+ months), but you should still focus on the milk, formula or an oral rehydration solution if your doctor has prescribed one. We recommend you contact your GP if your baby has diarrhoea, especially if it’s for longer than a day or they’re showing signs of dehydration.  

No, we don’t recommend bottled water as it often contains high levels of sodium or sulphate which is dangerous for babies. If you have no other option, always check the sodium and sulphate contents. As a guide: 

  • Sodium: Less than 200mg per litre 
  • Sulphate: Less than 250mg per litre 

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