at what age can water be given to infants?

Answer 1

from 6 month onwards

Answer 2

My kids pediatrician was really upset when she found out I was giving my son water at about 4 months old. She said that you don't need to give them water because there is enough water in both brestmilk and formula. She said I could give him water on hot days, but no more than a couple of ounces per day. Generally, when they stop taking the bottle or breastfeeding as much, you can begin to include water.

Answer 3

An exclusively breastfed baby doesn't need water at all until after 6 months of age, as they will get adequate hydration from their milk. Breastmilk changes in consistency and water content through every feeding, and from day to day, etc. to meet the specific needs of the nursing child.

Formula fed babies can have some water from birth, but it shouldn't be necessary to give them much.

Answer 4

Guidelines for offering water to breastfed babies
Breastfed babies do not need water - keep in mind that breastmilk is 88% water. Even in the first few days after birth, before mom's milk has "come in", colostrum is all that is needed to keep baby well hydrated (assuming baby is nursing effectively). Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Supplements (water, glucose water, formula, and other fluids) should not be given to breastfeeding newborn infants unless ordered by a physician when a medical indication exists... During the first 6 months of age, even in hot climates, water and juice are unnecessary for breastfed infants and may introduce contaminants or allergens."

In addition, breastfed babies do not require water when it is very hot outside, assuming baby is allowed to nurse as needed. Baby can get all the liquids needed via breastmilk. A number of studies have determined that an exclusively breastfed baby does not need extra water - these studies have been done in various locations (both humid and dry) at temperatures ranging from 22-41°C (71.6-105.8°F) and 9-96% relative humidity [see references below].

Note: Formula fed babies do not routinely need extra water. Some sources do suggest offering water to a formula fed baby when it is very hot outside (though baby may prefer to get extra water from more frequent feeding), or when baby is sick with a fever (consult baby's doctor for guidelines).


For newborns (especially under 4-5 weeks), water supplements can be risky
Babies under two months should not be given supplemental water.
Water supplements are associated with increased bilirubin levels in jaundiced newborns.
Too much water can lead to a serious condition called oral water intoxication.
Water supplements fill baby up without adding calories, so water supplements can result in weight loss (or insufficient weight gain) for the baby.
Babies who get water supplements are less interested in nursing. If baby is not nursing as often as he should, it will take longer for mom's milk to come in and can delay or prevent mom from establishing an optimum milk supply.

For babies past the newborn stage
Too much water can interfere with breastfeeding because it fills baby up so that he nurses less. Babies need the nutrition and calories in breastmilk to grow - water has none of these.
Breastmilk has all the water your baby needs, even in very hot weather.
When your 4-6 month old baby is learning to use a cup, giving him a few sips of water a couple of times a day (no more than 2 ounces per 24 hours) is fine and fun.
Once baby starts solids, you might want to give him a few sips of expressed milk or water with his solids - some babies need this to prevent constipation.

Answer 5

Great question, I had the same one with my baby and everybody that I Asked gave me different answers. I asked my paediatrician and he told me that a baby under six months of age does not need water, unless he/she is constipated a couple sips of warm water may help, also if the baby gets the hiccups again a couple of sips of water can get rid of them. My son was also very jaundice when he was born so the doctor advised me to give him water to clear his system out. I gave him very little water when he was under six months, now he is eight months and I give him water all the time. I really don't think a little bit of water is bad for them just don't overdue it because you don't want your baby to get to full, and therefor won't drink their milk
The best advice is to call your doctor or telehealth I love them they are so helpful with everything.

Answer 6

You know those little bottles of water that they bring you in the hospital when they bring the baby in for feedings, (HINT HINT). Besides if you're using formula, what are you mixing it with, motor oil?

Answer 7

my daughter is 2 1/2 months old and her pediatrician said to give her water in between feedings so im guessing its ok for babies to drink water. in fact she loves water and cries when i take the bottle of water away cos i know shell drink a whole gallon of it if i give it to her

Answer 8

I breastfeed and didn't start to give our baby water until last month- at 11 months old so she could practice using an open cup.

Babies get all the water they need from formula and breastmilk.

Answer 9

My son is 5 months old. I just started giving him a little bit of water. If your baby eats formula its mixed with water...

Answer 10

New babies get all the water they need from formula & breast milk.

Water is normally introduced at the same time as solid foods. So, I would say at 6 months.

Answer 11

Ok this a tricky question since doctors and our ancestors think very differently. I started giving my daughter a teaspoon of water everyday when she turn two months. When she was four i would give her one ounce of water. When she was 7 i started giving her as often as she wanted. She is perfectly fine.