Babies under 6 months get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. It is not necessary or safe for a baby under 6 months old to have water.
It may be dangerous for babies under 6 months to drink water.
Babies have very small stomach capacities, filling their stomachs with water may cause them not to consume enough breast milk or formula, which are necessary for their growth and development, and nutritional deficiency may develop. In addition, since babies’ kidneys are not sufficiently developed, drinking water before the 6th month may cause electrolyte imbalance.
Even if the weather is very hot, don’t worry.
80% of breast milk consists of water, even if the weather is very hot, babies who receive sufficient breast milk or formula do not need additional water. In addition, breast milk and formula contain not only water but also many important nutrients that water does not contain. The fact that your baby has at least 5-6 wet diapers in a 24-hour period indicates that fluid consumption is sufficient.
Babies can start drinking water after each complementary food from the 6th month.
Babies can start drinking water after each complementary food from the 6th month. Drinking water after each complementary food will relieve the constipation problem that is frequently seen in the first days of starting complementary food. Offering your baby water from an open glass or a straw cup supports the development of oral-motor skills.
Suggested Daily Water Intake
6-12 months: 120-240 ml
12-24 months: 240-960 ml
2-5 years: 240- 1200 ml
Resources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Choose Water for Healthy Hydration. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Choose-Water-for-Healthy-Hydration.aspx
- World Health Organization (2015). Breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/breastfeeding
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/recommended-drinks-for-young-children-ages-0-5.aspx
