Water for infants

Should a newborn be given any water? At what age should water for infants be introduced? Doesn't water help with digestion and hydration?

Great question! Giving water to infants is unecessary and possibly harmful. Despite what the grandparents or well meaning family members say, it is generally agreed that infants do not need additional water.

The common practice of giving newborns and young babies water throughout the day is discouraged for a few reasons. The most important reason why giving water to infants is not a good idea is because it will fill them up and not make them hungry for breastmilk or formula, which has calories and nutrients. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and insufficient weight gain in babies.

Although you are right that water is important for digestion and hydration, in the first 6 months of life babies receive all the hydration they need through breastmilk or formula. They are 80-90% water, providing a baby with all the water they need to grow and thrive.

If you think your baby is thirsty, offer breastmilk or formula instead of water to maximize the amount of nutrients he or she is getting.

At the age of 6 months, small amounts of water can be introduced in a sippy cup to expose them to the flavor and get them used to drinking from something other than a bottle.

As your baby begins eating more solid food and less formula or breastmilk you may want to consider offering water to drink for hydration. Until he is about 6 months old though, there is no need give water to baby.