When can babies have water? Around 6 months, and only a little at first. The American Academy of Pediatrics says babies from 0 to 6 months need “no supplemental drinking water,” because breast milk or formula gives them all the fluid they need. From about 6 months, the AAP and CDC both say to offer 4 to 8 ounces of water a day, in a cup, usually at mealtimes.
Below are the amounts by age, why younger babies should not get water, and which water to use. Your pediatrician’s advice comes first, especially if your baby was premature or has a medical condition.
How much water can babies have by age?
| Age | Plain water per day | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months | None needed | AAP: “No supplemental drinking water needed” |
| 6 to 12 months | 4 to 8 oz (½ to 1 cup) | AAP, CDC |
| 12 to 24 months | 8 to 32 oz (1 to 4 cups) | HealthyChildren.org (AAP) |
| 2 to 5 years | 8 to 40 oz (1 to 5 cups) | HealthyChildren.org (AAP) |
The CDC lists the same figure for babies 6 to 12 months: “Water (4 to 8 ounces a day).” These are ranges, not targets to hit. A baby who is still nursing or drinking formula well gets most of their fluid that way.
Why shouldn’t babies under 6 months drink water?
Breast milk and formula are mostly water already, and they come with the calories and nutrients a young baby needs. The AAP’s beverage guidance says that “to satisfy fluid requirements, human milk and/or infant formula is sufficient for infants.” Extra water takes up room in a small stomach without adding any nutrition, which can mean the baby drinks less milk.
Water in formula is different. You mix powdered formula with water, and that is expected and fine, as long as you follow the formula’s instructions exactly. Never add extra water to make formula last longer; always mix it exactly as the label says. Our guide to the best water for baby formula covers which water to use and when to boil it.
Can babies have water at 4 months?
Not as a drink, according to the AAP’s guidance, which says no supplemental water is needed before about 6 months. If you are worried your baby is not getting enough fluid, for example in hot weather or with fewer wet diapers than usual, call your pediatrician rather than giving water.
How to give a 6-month-old water
- Use a cup. HealthyChildren.org suggests “an open, sippy, or strawed cup,” and the AAP says to offer it “in a cup during meal times.” It is also good practice for drinking from a cup.
- Keep amounts small. HealthyChildren.org notes “the actual water intake is unlikely to replace much breast milk or formula at this point.” A few sips with solid food is normal.
- Plain water only. No juice before 12 months: HealthyChildren.org says “infants less than 1 year of age should not drink juice.”
Can babies drink tap water?
The AAP’s guidance for 6 to 12 months specifically mentions “plain, fluoridated drinking water,” so safe tap water is fine, and the fluoride helps protect new teeth. Tap water quality varies, though. If you are on a private well, have old pipes that may contain lead, or are under a boil water notice, use bottled water or check with your pediatrician. Our guide to whether tap water is safe to drink explains how to check yours, and is distilled water safe for babies covers one common question about bottled water.
What about milk and juice?
The AAP says children under 12 months “should not consume milk (plain, flavored, plant-based)” as a drink; breast milk or formula is their milk. From 12 months, HealthyChildren.org says you can start whole milk, about 16 oz a day up to age 2. Juice is not recommended before 12 months, and after that it should be limited.
Frequently asked questions
Can newborns drink water?
No. The AAP says babies from birth to 6 months need no supplemental drinking water. Breast milk or formula provides all the fluid they need.
How much water can a 6-month-old have?
About 4 to 8 ounces (half a cup to one cup) a day, offered in a cup at mealtimes, according to the AAP and CDC.
Can I give my baby water for hiccups or constipation?
Not before 6 months without asking your pediatrician first. After 6 months, small sips of water with meals are fine.
Should I boil water for my baby?
For mixing formula, follow the formula’s instructions and your pediatrician’s advice. If you are under a boil water notice or use well water that has not been tested, boil it or use bottled water.
When can babies drink water from a cup?
Around 6 months, when solid foods usually start. HealthyChildren.org suggests an open, sippy or straw cup.
How much water should a 1-year-old drink?
HealthyChildren.org gives 8 to 32 ounces (1 to 4 cups) a day for children 12 to 24 months, alongside milk.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask your pediatrician about your own baby.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Healthy Beverage Quick Reference Guide.
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 and Younger.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Foods and Drinks to Encourage.
