If it’s a hot, sunny day, you might wonder if it is safe to give water to your six-month-old baby. While you may be aware of when to start your baby’s solid food diet, the information about water consumption may not be well known. So, when can babies drink water? The right time depends on the age, different activities, and the child’s food intake. Moreover, it is important to introduce small quantities to avoid any discomfort. You need to adopt certain measures while hydrating your baby to ensure it does not adversely affect their health. So, if you have similar queries, read on! In this post, we will tell you about water for babies, including the right time, the adequate quantity, preventive measures, and the right ways to feed it to your little one.
When Can Babies Drink Water?
Once your baby is six months old, you can begin giving water in small amounts. This is the time when you introduce solid foods, and also when she gets more active. You can also offer clear soup but not soda or other sugary drinks. You may start with a sippy cup, spoon, or bottle feeder. However, excess water in babies might result in abdominal discomforts and other medical conditions (1).
Is It Not Safe To Give Water Before Six Months?
It is, usually, not for the following reasons (1) (2).
Let’s now see how much water should a baby drink after six months.
Water For Babies Aged Six To 12 Months:
When you start to give solid food around six months, the baby’s intake of milk reduces from 25-30oz to 14-25oz a day. This, however, depends on the kind of solids you introduce and the frequency with which the little one eats. Along with breastmilk or formula, she may not require more than two to four ounces of water every day (5). If your child is very active, you can provide some more water occasionally.
Water For Babies Older Than 12 Months:
When your baby enters the 12th month, the milk intake reduces to 16oz a day. By this time, you may have introduced a variety of foods and established a routine of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Therefore, with the reduced milk consumption, varied food intake and increased activity, your child’s need for water increases naturally (6). According to the United States Department of Agriculture, toddlers need around 1.3 liters of water every day (7). It includes water from milk, food and other sources. Proper hydration will help ease bowel movements and replenish lost fluids.
What Kind Of Cup Or Bottle Is Best To Use?
You may have to choose different kinds of cups or bottles depending on the age of your little one. Around six months: At this ideal age to introduce water, use a cup containing handles and a straw or soft spout. You should choose a non-spill valve that is removable. The free-flow cup will help your baby to drink without sucking. This also helps oral development as she uses different muscles to drink. If the baby is transitioning from breastmilk to formula, a bottle with a breast-like nipple should suit her. Your baby’s latch will be natural. Around 12 months: This is the age you can assist them in drinking from cups. If she is already drinking from a spout or straw, moving to cups is easier for her. You can use a sports cup or an open cup. A non-spill valve is ideal.
How To Give Water To The Baby?
You should make sure the baby is drinking water carefully. The following instructions may be of some help:
Teach your baby to hold a cup/glass.
Then help her tilt the cup just enough to make the water flow steadily.
Hold the cup as she drinks from it.
You will have to do this regularly before she can hold the cup without your help and without spilling the content.
You can use no-spill sippy cups so that the water doesn’t spill. The sippy cups are safe even if they are turned upside down, as the water does not come out unless the baby sucks it.
You may experiment with multiple sippy cups until you find the one that is comfortable for your baby.
Follow these basic guidelines to introduce your baby to water, and keep her hydrated.
Some Additional Measures To Keep Your Baby Adequately Hydrated
You can make the early days of water consumption interesting and healthy for your baby. Here are a few tips:
Let your baby have small quantities frequently. Give small amounts of water or watery fluids all through the day.
Use colorful cups and differently shaped straws so that your baby will be excited about drinking water.
Be wary of weather conditions and activities. Give enough water during activity time, and in hot weather. Let them take at least four ounces every 20 minutes.
Give more water-rich foods such as soups or fruits like orange, watermelon, and grapes. Flavor water with lime, lemon, oranges or cucumber to make drinking fun.
You can replace the lost fluids by giving your baby formula, breastmilk or a rehydration solution. However, do not give plain water to rehydrate her body.
Do not be in a hurry to introduce water to your baby. In the first six months, breastmilk is everything for her –food, water, fruits, and vegetables all packed in one. Introduce water gradually after six months but make sure the baby is not drinking so much that she loses her appetite.
