Water for Babies Under One: When Is It Okay and When Is It Not?

Water for Babies Under One: When Is It Okay and When Is It Not?

Let's look at one of the most common questions in summer.

Logic suggests: it's hot outside, we drink water, so the baby must need it too, right?

Under 6 Months: NO!

The position of the world's leading health organizations (WHO, AAP, and UNICEF) is clear: babies under 6 months should not be given any liquid other than breast milk or formula.

1. All the fluid a baby needs is already in breast milk or formula. Breast milk is 88–90% water, while formula is 85% water.
2. A baby's stomach has a small capacity. Giving the baby water creates a false sense of fullness, which can lead to poor weight gain.
3. Lower blood sodium levels. An infant's kidneys are still immature and cannot quickly filter the increased blood volume caused by adding water to the baby's diet. The extra water dilutes the blood and lowers sodium levels.
4. Reduced milk supply. For a breastfeeding mother, giving additional water may reduce milk production: the baby nurses less often, and the body “thinks” the milk is no longer needed.

What Should You Do in Hot Weather?

If you think your baby is thirsty, simply offer the breast more often. In hot weather, babies may want to nurse more frequently, and that is completely normal.

Formula-fed babies can be offered a little more formula (do NOT carry prepared formula around in hot weather; this is unsafe because bacteria can multiply in it. It is better to prepare a small amount of formula immediately before feeding your baby).

After 6 Months: YES!

Once a baby starts complementary foods, water can also be introduced into their diet.

How Should You Offer It?

Start offering water during or after meals in an open cup or sippy cup. At first, the baby will take only small sips.

How Much Should You Offer?

About 120–240 mL per day. Water is only a supplement to the baby's main source of nutrition: breast milk or formula.

What Kind of Water Should You Choose?

You can use boiled water that has been allowed to cool.