When Can Babies Drink Water? Safe Guidelines by Age

Wondering when your baby can start drinking water? You’re not alone. Many new parents ask this question when they begin weaning. The answer isn’t just about age—it’s also about safety, nutrition, and how babies develop.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

• When babies can safely start drinking water
• How much water babies should drink at different ages
• What type of water is safe
• Tips to help your baby learn to drink
• Signs to watch for to avoid overhydration

Do Babies Need Water in the First 6 Months?

Short answer: No.

Babies under 6 months should not drink water.

Here’s why:

• Breastmilk or infant formula provides 100% of their hydration needs—even in hot weather.
• Water at this age can:
  • Fill up tiny stomachs, leaving less room for nutrient-rich milk
  • Lead to water intoxication by diluting sodium levels
  • Offer zero calories, which babies need for rapid growth

Expert opinion:

Babies don’t need water until they start eating solids.

When Can Babies Start Drinking Water?

The ideal time to introduce water is around 6 months of age, when:

• You begin solid food (complementary feeding)
• Your baby can sit with support and swallow better

Water at this stage helps babies:

• Practice drinking from a cup
• Rinse their mouth after meals
• Stay hydrated alongside milk and food

Important:

Water should always supplement, not replace, breastmilk or formula during the first year.

How Much Water Should a Baby Drink?

Baby’s Age	Main Drinks	Water Intake Recommendation
0–6 months	Breastmilk / Formula	❌ Not recommended
6–12 months	Breastmilk / Formula + Water	✅ 30–120 ml/day
12+ months	Water + Milk	✅ 500–800 ml/day

Offer small sips of water after solid meals, using a baby-safe cup.

What Kind of Water Is Safe for Babies?

Use clean, safe water—no need to overcomplicate it.

✅ Recommended:

• Boiled and cooled tap water (especially under 1 year old)
• Low-sodium, low-nitrate bottled water labeled baby-safe

🚫 Avoid:

• Sparkling or carbonated water
• Sugary drinks, juices, or tea
• Unfiltered well water (risk of nitrates)

How to Introduce Water (Without Stress)

Drinking water is a learned skill, just like eating solids. Around 6–9 months, try:

• A soft-spout sippy cup
• A straw cup
• A small open cup (with help)

Encourage, don’t pressure. Some babies love it right away, others need time.

Signs of Too Much Water (Yes, It’s Possible)

Though rare, too much water can lead to water intoxication in babies.

Watch for:

• Unusual tiredness or drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Swelling or puffiness
• Reduced appetite for milk
• Irritability or twitching

If you notice any of these, consult your pediatrician right away.

Quick Recap for Busy Parents

👍 DO	🚫 DON’T
Start water around 6 months	Give water before 6 months
Offer 1–4 oz daily in small sips	Replace feedings with water
Use clean, boiled or baby-safe water	Use sugary or fizzy drinks
Encourage sipping from a cup	Force or pressure your baby to drink

by Erika Barabás

Sources:

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

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-food-milestones

https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-cant-babies-have-water-11718038