Giving water beyond the amount needed to mix powdered or concentrated formula can strain a baby’s developing kidneys and lead to a rare but serious condition known as water intoxication.
Once a baby is 6 months old, their body is better equipped to handle small amounts of water safely.
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Health Risks of Giving Water to Babies
The developing kidneys in babies under 6 months old are not able to remove extra water from their bodies. When too much water builds up, it throws off the balance of fluids and minerals. In more serious cases, this can lead to a dangerous condition known as water intoxication.
Water intoxication happens when your baby’s body takes in more water than it can safely handle. This excess water dilutes essential electrolytes, which are minerals like sodium, calcium, and potassium, that help regulate fluid balance, muscle movement, and nerve function.
Signs of Water Intoxication
When electrolyte levels drop too low, a baby may show signs of water intoxication, such as:
- A bluish color around the lips, fingers, or toes
- Cool skin, especially on hands or feet
- Fussiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Puffiness in the face, hands, or legs
- Seizures (sudden jerking movements, stiffening, or staring spells)
- Unusual sleepiness
Water for Formula
Water is permitted to mix into powdered or concentrated formula. Follow the directions on the label carefully and always use the right amount of formula and water.
Adding extra water to stretch a bottle may seem helpful, but it can increase the risk of water intoxication and leave your baby undernourished.
If you’re having trouble affording formula, check with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), your local health department, pediatric healthcare provider, food pantry, or a nearby social services agency. These programs can help you and your baby get the formula, food, and support you need.
Water Safety Tips for Babies
Keep the following in mind when giving water to a baby:
- Always use safe water free from bacteria, lead, nitrates, and pesticides when mixing formula.
- Tap water is usually fine unless local health officials say otherwise. If unsure, use filtered, bottled, distilled, or boiled (then cooled) water.
- If you use a private well, test it regularly. Your local health department can guide you on how to check your water quality.
Some counties offer free well water testing. If they don’t provide testing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a list of certified laboratories in each state. You can also contact your county or state health departments, or your state certification officer, for help finding a trusted lab.
When Can Babies Have Water?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you can begin offering babies small amounts of water around 6 months, typically when they start eating solid foods. Their kidneys are more developed at this age, and they can safely process small amounts of extra fluid beyond formula or breast milk.
If your baby can sit up with support and swallow formula or breast milk without difficulty, they may be ready to start practicing with small sips of water from a cup. Even then, water should be limited to just a few sips at a time and never replace regular feedings.
How to Safely Start Giving Babies Water
Once your baby reaches 6 months old, you can begin offering small amounts of water. Start with 1–2 ounces at a time, usually a few sips with meals or snacks. You can also offer a sip here and there throughout the day. It’s OK if they don’t drink it all. Most babies still prefer breast milk or formula at first.
Offer water in a soft-spout sippy cup instead of a bottle. This will help your baby develop new drinking skills and encourage slower, more controlled sipping.
How Much Water Is Safe for Babies?
The amount of water your baby needs depends on their age and stage of development. Here are general daily guidelines.
- Ages 6–12 months: 4–8 ounces (a half cup to 1 cup) per day
- Ages 12–24 months: 8–32 oz (1 to 4 cups) per day
Alternatives to Water for Hydration
Before your baby reaches 6 months, breast milk or formula gives them everything they need to stay hydrated.
Even in hot weather or during a mild illness, you do not need to offer babies extra water. If your baby seems thirsty, offering them breast milk or formula more often is best. If you’re concerned about their fluid intake, look for signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers (fewer than six to eight per day), dark urine, dry lips, or unusual sleepiness.
Contact a healthcare provider for guidance. They may recommend more frequent feedings or, in some cases, a small amount of an oral rehydration (electrolyte) solution like Pedialyte, but only under medical supervision.
Once your baby turns 1, you can offer whole or reduced-fat cow’s milk alongside water. These two drinks are the healthiest choices for toddlers.
It’s best to avoid juice, flavored milk, toddler milks, and sweetened beverages. These can fill them up, reduce interest in healthy foods, or create a preference for sweet drinks.
What Is Gripe Water?
Gripe water is an herbal remedy some parents use to ease their babies’ gas, colic, or general fussiness. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it. The AAP recommends trying natural soothing methods first, such as swaddling, white noise, rocking, dim lighting, walking, or a warm bath. Always check with a pediatrician before giving your baby any herbal or over-the-counter remedies.
Key Takeaways
- Babies can start having sips of water around 6 months.
- Water should not replace formula or breast milk for babies.
- If you have questions about hydration or feeding, check in with a pediatric provider, who can guide you through each stage of development.
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