Introducing Water to Babies

Meeting the needs of drinking water and staying hydrated is different for babies as compared to adults. This leads us to thought in which parents usually think that from what age they can give water to their babies. Let’s take a look at this in a bit detail:

When Can Babies Start Water Intake?

Unlike adults, babies do not have to consume the required quantity of water on a daily basis. For infants it is different and the water quantity varies as per the age. Giving too much water to infants can lead to adverse effects.

The easiest way to remember is that when babies begin taking solid foods until around 6 months, before that they won’t need water more than a few sips.

When To Introduce Water To Babies?

Water can be given to babies after they have started taking sold foods. After the age of 1, their lungs have developed and are mature enough to metabolize water quantity. The water intake needs to be minimal and you may introduce the water to the babies by giving them small sips. Make sure to give the baby water in a straw or sippy cup and not in an open cup until they are old enough.

How Much Water Must Babies Drink?

It totally depends on their food habits. If the baby is still on breastfeed then a few sips can be enough. When babies get the required amount of feed in the form of breast milk or formula milk than they naturally stay hydrated.

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