When can babies have water?
It feels like it should be the safest thing in the world, so this one surprises a lot of parents: babies under 6 months should not be given water, and even after that it stays a small supporting act, not a main drink. Here is the simple version by age.
Before 6 months: no water needed
Breast milk and formula are mostly water and provide complete hydration, even in hot weather. A young baby does not need, and should not have, extra water. Their kidneys cannot handle it, and too much can dangerously dilute the sodium in their blood (a condition called water intoxication). It also fills a tiny tummy and displaces the calories they need to grow. If you ever think your baby needs water for a medical reason, ask your pediatrician first.
Around 6 months: small sips with meals
Once solids start, you can offer small sips of water in a cup with meals. Think a few ounces across the day, not a bottle of it. This is as much about learning to drink from a cup as it is about hydration. Milk feeds still provide most of what your baby needs.
Reach for an open cup or a straw cup rather than a spouted sippy cup, since those are better for developing the mouth muscles used for eating and speech. Expect mess. That is part of the deal.
12 months and up
After the first birthday, water can become a normal, freely offered drink alongside whole milk. Water and milk are the two drinks toddlers actually need. Juice is not necessary, and if you offer it at all, keep it small and with a meal.
A quick summary
- Under 6 months: no water, milk only.
- 6 to 12 months: small sips with meals, from a cup.
- 12 months+: water freely, alongside whole milk.
Related reading
See when babies can have cow's milk, when babies can have honey, and the best first foods.
Frequently asked questions
When can babies start drinking water?
Small sips of water can begin around 6 months, once your baby starts solids, offered in a cup with meals. Before 6 months, babies do not need water. Breast milk or formula gives them all the hydration they need, and extra water can be harmful.
How much water can a baby have?
From 6 to 12 months, just a few ounces a day, sipped from an open or straw cup alongside meals. It is for practice and a little extra hydration, not a main drink. Milk feeds still do the heavy lifting. From 12 months, water can flow more freely.
Why is too much water dangerous for young babies?
A young baby’s kidneys cannot handle large amounts of water. Too much can dilute the sodium in their blood, a condition called water intoxication, which can cause seizures and be life-threatening. Extra water also fills a small tummy and crowds out the calories and nutrients they need from milk.
What kind of cup should I use for water?
Around 6 months, an open cup or a straw cup is recommended over a spouted sippy cup, since open and straw cups are better for developing mouth and speech muscles. Start with tiny amounts and expect plenty of spills at first.
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Start tracking for freeHow we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.
This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.
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