When Can Babies Drink Water? Complete Age-by-Age Safety Guide

Infant hydration is a delicate balance: babies have different fluid needs than older children or adults. Breast milk and/or formula typically supply all the water they require in the first several months of life, making the introduction of plain water unnecessary—and potentially risky—before a certain age.

Why Timing Matters

• Underdeveloped Kidneys: Newborns’ kidneys are not yet efficient at excreting excess water, raising the risk of water intoxication¹.
• Electrolyte Balance: Excessive water can dilute essential minerals, particularly sodium, potentially leading to severe health complications.
• Nutritional Needs: Infants need calorie-dense feeds. Water has zero calories, so too much can displace necessary nutrients.

One of the most common questions parents ask is, “When can babies drink water?” Health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), often recommend waiting until around 6 months of age to introduce small amounts of water². Below is a breakdown by age group.

Newborn to 4 Months

• Recommendation: Avoid giving water.
• Reasoning: Breast milk or formula fully meets newborns’ hydration requirements. Introducing water can reduce intake of vital nutrients and increase risk for water intoxication.

4 to 6 Months

• Recommendation: Still hold off on water unless advised by a pediatrician.
• Reasoning: Babies this age may begin solid foods (usually around 4–6 months), but the AAP generally advises waiting until 6 months to introduce water.

6+ Months

• Recommendation: Start introducing small sips of water, especially alongside solid foods.
• Initial Amount: A few ounces (2–4 ounces per day) can help with swallowing solids and keeping babies hydrated in warm climates³.
• Gradual Increase: As babies become more accustomed to both solids and liquids, their water intake can gradually rise.

Deciding which type of water to offer can be confusing. Many parents wonder about tap water, bottled water, spring water, and specialized “nursery water.”

Types of Water

Tap Water

• Fluoride Content: Tap water often contains fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay. However, excessive fluoride can cause dental fluorosis in developing teeth, so be mindful of local fluoride levels⁴.
• Filtration: If water quality is questionable, use a filtration system to remove contaminants or boil the water, then allow it to cool.

Bottled Water

• Can Babies Drink Bottled Water? Generally safe if it meets regulatory standards for contaminants. However, some bottled waters lack fluoride, and certain mineral waters may contain high sodium or other minerals.
• Spring Water: “Can babies drink spring water?” is a frequent query. Spring water must meet similar standards for quality and safety as bottled drinking water. Always check labels for mineral concentrations.

Nursery Water vs. Distilled

• Nursery Water: Often fortified with small amounts of fluoride; safe for mixing with formula but should be used moderately to avoid excess fluoride.
• Distilled Water: Heated to boiling and condensed to remove minerals and impurities. Some parents prefer it for formula preparation because it has minimal contaminants.

As your infant grows into a toddler, water plays an increasingly important role. Yet “how much water should baby drink?” depends on factors like climate, level of activity, and overall diet.

6–12 Months

• Range: 2–4 ounces per day in small increments.
• Focus: Breast milk or formula remains the main source of hydration and nutrition.

How Much Water for a 1 Year Old?

• Approximate Intake: 4–8 ounces a day, complementing about 16–24 ounces of milk (breast milk or formula) plus solid foods⁵.
• Monitoring Cues: Watch for signs of thirst in hot weather or when introducing new foods.

Toddler Stage (12–24 Months)

• Gradual Increase: Aim for 8–16 ounces of water daily, adjusting based on activity level.
• Variety of Fluids: Milk and limited amounts of 100% fruit juice can also be included—but water should remain a primary choice.

Sometimes babies may need slightly more (or less) water than usual.

Hot Weather

• Babies dehydrate faster in high temperatures. Offering additional sips of water (once they are 6+ months) can help. If your baby seems overheated—sweating, flushed skin—monitor their fluid intake and watch for signs of dehydration.

Illness

• Babies experiencing diarrhea or vomiting may lose fluids and electrolytes. While plain water helps, consult a healthcare provider to see if an electrolyte solution (e.g., Pedialyte) is more appropriate.

Travel

• Traveling can expose infants to unfamiliar water sources. When in doubt, use filtered, boiled, or bottled water certified safe for infants.

Formula Mixing

• Over-dilution of formula is dangerous, as it can cause a rapid drop in blood sodium levels, leading to water intoxication. Always follow instructions for mixing.

Water Intoxication Risks

• Too much water can dilute a baby’s sodium levels, causing issues like irritability, confusion, or even seizures in severe cases. This is why many experts strongly caution against giving water to infants under 6 months.

Dehydration Signs

• Fewer Wet Diapers: Fewer than six wet diapers per day after the first week of life.
• Dark Urine: Dark yellow or strong-smelling urine can indicate dehydration.
• Sunken Soft Spot: The fontanelle (soft spot) on top of the head may appear sunken.
• Excessive Fussiness: Irritability or dry lips may also be signals.

When to Call a Doctor

• Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: that leads to signs of dehydration.
• High Fever: or refusal to feed.
• Any Symptoms of water intoxication: (e.g., swelling, lethargy, unusual fussiness).

After the 6-month mark, safely introducing water involves both timing and technique.

• Use an Appropriate Cup or Bottle: A sippy cup or small open cup can help babies learn how to drink water without relying solely on a bottle.
• Offer With Solid Meals: Incorporating sips of water during meal times eases swallowing and can help prevent constipation.
• Create Routines: Introduce a consistent water-drinking schedule—just enough sips at mealtime or snack time.
• Transition Gradually: Begin with a few sips, slowly increasing as your baby becomes more accustomed to drinking water.

• Can Babies Drink Spring Water? Yes, if it meets safety standards and is free from harmful contaminants or excessive minerals. Always check labels and consider boiling if unsure.
• Can Babies Drink Bottled Water Instead of Tap? Bottled water is often safe, but pay attention to mineral content and fluoride levels. Some bottled waters may not contain fluoride, which can be beneficial for dental health.
• Nursery Water vs. Distilled: Which Is Better? Nursery water typically contains low-level fluoride, while distilled water has no minerals or additives. Both can be safe for babies, depending on local water quality and pediatric advice.
• How Much Water Should a Baby Drink at 6 Months? Start with small amounts—2–4 ounces a day—offered in small sips during meals. Monitor overall fluid balance to avoid excessive intake.
• Can Babies Have Tap Water? If your tap water is clean, fluoridated, and tested for contaminants, it’s generally safe. When in doubt, boil or filter the water.
• How Do I Track My Baby’s Fluid Intake? Keep a daily log of breast milk/formula feeds plus any water offered. For older babies, a hydration calculator at howmuchwaterdoineed.com can help estimate total fluid needs, though it’s primarily designed for older children and adults.

• Wait for 6 Months: Avoid plain water before 6 months to reduce water intoxication risk.
• Small Amounts Initially: Introduce water in 2–4 ounce increments alongside meals after 6 months.
• Choose Safe Water Sources: Tap, bottled, or filtered—verify contamination levels and fluoride content.
• Monitor Intake: Overdilution of formula and excessive water can be harmful.
• Adapt to Special Circumstances: Extra caution in hot weather, illness, and travel scenarios.