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When Can Babies Have Water?

por Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated August 06, 2024
Water is essential for maintaining bodily health and should be consumed by all. Babies are not an exception, of course. Drinking water on time is another crucial step in protecting babies’ health as they develop. However, it is not possible to give water to a baby blindly because of the way their bodies develop.
As a result, it is essential to take into consideration when can babies start drinking water, how to provide water to infants in a secure manner, and how to select water for babies. So, let’s discuss these concerns regarding “babies and water” in this article!

How Do Babies Maintain Their Hydration? In What Way?

Direct water consumption is the best form of hydration for adults because it helps to keep bodily functions in balance while also providing rapid thirst reduction.
However, it is not recommended for babies under a year old to drink water straight because it could be harmful to them. Since their kidneys are still immature and cannot handle excessive water at this point, babies currently get their fair share of water from breast milk or infant formula.
A little baby is drinking baby formula from a bottle
A baby who drinks water too early may experience water intoxication due to the dilution of electrolytes in the body. Additionally, the child’s intake of formula or breast milk may be affected, which could potentially impact the absorption of nutrients. You can begin giving your baby water in moderation only later in the growth process when the baby’s body functions gradually mature and complementary foods are introduced.

When Can Babies Start Drinking Water?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source, caregivers can start providing 4-8 ounces (oz) of water for babies when they are 6 months old.
“Parents can usually give their babies a little water starting at 6 months, but only a small amount at a time.” According to Dr. Buckingham.
Furthermore, babies can begin eating solid foods at this time. At this age, a lot of babies can learn to hold a sippy cup and put it in their mouths. Around this time, they also learn how to sit up with assistance.
A mother was feeding her baby water and the baby let out a cry

Why Can’t Babies Have Water Less Than 6 Months Old?

Some individuals may inquire, “Why can’t babies drink water?” This is due to the fact that a baby’s primary source of nutrition until the age of six months is breast milk or baby formula, which can supply them with all the nutrients they need. If the baby drinking too much water at this point, it indicates that they will be consuming less breast milk for necessary nutrition, which could expose them to a deficiency in some areas and change the concentration of those nutrients in their blood, which could impact their development. Furthermore, giving infants too much water can cause discomfort and other issues like diarrhea.

After Six Months, Can Babies Have Water Without Restriction?

No, the age of six months is considered to be the appropriate time to begin drinking water; however, this does not mean that you are free to consume an unlimited quantity of water. As too much water consumption can result in water intoxication in infants, it is essential to introduce water to your child in a gradual and steady manner. Water can be introduced to babies between the ages of 6 and 12 months. You can give your baby 4 to 8 ounces of water each day, and it can gradually become a regular part of their diet. However, until your baby is 12 months old, breast milk and formula remain your baby’s primary sources of nutrition during this period.
The ideal way to give your baby water when he first starts to drink is to give him tiny amounts in a sippy cup. When your baby first starts to chew on the cup or drink a little, it’s important to make sure he’s getting breast milk or formula. Avoid forcing your baby to drink water at this point because his need for liquids will rise as he starts to eat solids.
A mother is making her baby’s formula with pure water

How Do You Pick the Best Water for Your Infant?

Babies need access to clean water. Whether your baby is exposed to water through formula before 6 months of age or starts to gradually drink it after, keeping an eye on the water quality is crucial to their healthy development. According to a number of experts, boiling and cooling tap water or any kind of bottled water to room temperature is the safest option for parents selecting formula water.
However, if the quality of tap water is not guaranteed, it will inevitably pose risks to the healthy growth of babies because of how delicate their immune systems and body functions are. Parents should use extra caution when selecting the water source for their infants, especially if the baby is under three months old, premature, or has a weakened immune system. This is because dirty water puts these babies at risk for serious bacterial infections.
The baby is sitting in his seat drinking filtered water fed to him by his parents
Install Waterdrop X Series Reverse Osmosis System, X12 in your home so you and your family can experience safe, pure water like never before. Featuring a state-of-the-art water filtration system with an impressive 1200 GPD fast flow rate and an 11-stage reverse osmosis process, this product ensures that every sip of water for babies is free of contaminants and enriched with healthful alkaline minerals. Meanwhile, the smart, sleek design provides a constant supply of clean water to ensure your baby is well hydrated without having to wait, giving you peace of mind that your baby’s health is in good hands.

Ensure the Drinking Water for Babies Is Safe

Before giving your baby water or formula for the first time, check the quality of the tap water. While fluoride in tap water helps prevent tooth decay, too much of it can be harmful to your baby’s health. Additionally, lead is dangerous for young children. Look for the following in your home:
The following situations should be taken into consideration:
  • Your home’s water has never been tested.
  • A chemical plant or farm is close to your home.
  • A recent contamination of a neighborhood water source.
  • There has been a history of health issues related to the neighborhood’s water quality.
  • Your baby was born prematurely or with a weakened immune system.
To safeguard the health of your family and your infant, install a filtration system if any of these situations apply to your house, as well as if you are worried about lead exposure and the presence of toxins in your water that are harmful to children’s development.
 A mother is holding her little baby in her arms as she sleeps
Upgrade your family’s water purity with the advanced Waterdrop X Series Undersink Reverse Osmosis System, X16. Designed with your little one’s well-being in mind, this system provides the best water for baby formula, ensuring every bottle is mixed with water at the optimum pH levels for healthy development. Boasting a powerful 1600GPD flow, the X16 offers an abundant supply of baby-safe water for all your child’s needs. Its superior water-to-waste ratio and precise filtration keep baby water clean and eco-friendly. Get peace of mind with each refreshing cup, tailored for your baby’s safety. Opt for the X16 today and commit to the purest hydration experience for your precious one.

How to Identify Infant Dehydration and Water Intoxication?

As babies begin to come into contact with water, there are several risks they may encounter due to the delicate nature of their immune and digestive systems. In order to assist some new parents in being able to avoid issues as much as possible and better care for their babies’ healthy growth, we have compiled a list of some of the scenarios that could occur.

Water Intoxication

A condition called water intoxication, or hyponatremia, is characterized by an abnormally low blood sodium level. Giving water to infants younger than six months old or giving them too much water after six months of age can result in this condition.
It is important to limit the amount of water you give your baby and to promptly monitor their condition because too much water can lead to an imbalance of sodium levels in the body, which can cause seizures, brain damage, coma, or even more serious conditions. Water intoxication can also cause behavioral changes like:
  • Confusion
  • Drowsines
  • Muscle cramps and twitches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
See a doctor if your child exhibits any of these water intoxication symptoms or if there is a chance, they may be suffering from water intoxication to avoid doing irreversible harm to them.
Parents are checking their baby’s temperature by stroking their baby’s forehead

Dehydration in infants

In the summer, babies may become dehydrated or even have fevers as the temperature rises. This time of year, your baby may exhibit some of the following dehydration symptoms if they are not getting enough fluids.
  1. Less than six wet diapers in a 24-hour period
  2. Dark yellow urine
  3. Inability to cry or produce tears
  4. Dry mouth
  5. Sunken eyes
  6. Dry skin that does not return under light pressure
  7. Unusually drowsy or lethargic
  8. Cold hands and feet
  9. Sunken fontanel (the “soft spot” on top of the head)
  10. Irritability or excessive fussiness
Please be aware, though, that even in hot weather, you must breastfeed, or formula feed your baby frequently to make sure he or she is getting the proper number of fluids and nutrients if the child is younger than six months old, has a fever, or is dehydrated. In short, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, try not to give water at this time.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pure Water for Babies?

Babies start to progressively consume a certain amount of water after six months to stay hydrated. Mothers and fathers are typically advised to install a water purifier to guarantee the safety and health of the water for babies. For infants, pure filtered water offers numerous advantages, including:

Pure and Safe

Hazardous materials like bacteria, viruses, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), and chemical pollutants (like pesticides and leftover chlorine) are eliminated from water through filtration. Safe and pure water helps your baby expel waste while providing the body’s cells with nutrition and oxygen.

Avoiding Illness

The risk of digestive issues like diarrhea brought on by contaminated water is decreased by pure water. In addition, drinking clean, healthy water helps babies get the fluids they need in a timely way and reduces the need for fruit juices.

Maintaining Development

During their development, babies drink a lot of water. Pure water keeps tissues and joints lubricated, encourages bone growth, and shields kids from dangerous substances during their critical developmental stage.

Boosts Uptake of Nutrients

Clean water helps your baby’s body absorb nutrients, keeps their blood volume stable, and guarantees that nutrients are getting to your body. This is particularly crucial when your baby is first switching to dairy and complementary foods. By keeping nutrients in the water, the Waterdrop filter also optimizes the quality of the water.

Better Flavor

Babies are more likely to enjoy drinking water and consume more of it when it is filtered.
 A mother is holding her baby and having fun with baby

Can Infants Consume Other Liquids?

For infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months, the CDC recommends only breast milk, formula, and water. Once the baby reaches 12 months, whole milk or fortified soy beverages may be given.
Drinks That are Advised Against by the CDC and NHS:
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Coffee-infused beverages
  • Rice milk
  • Juices
  • Smoothies
Smoothies and fruit juices are nutrient-rich, but they also contain natural sugars and acids that can lead to tooth decay. Children can have up to 150 ml of undiluted fruit juice or smoothie per day starting at age 5. In conclusion, the best water for baby formula still clean, safe water.

Final Thoughts

After 6 months of age, babies can gradually consume a certain amount of water. The selection of healthy water and the monitoring water quality are crucial at this time. To avoid potential health risks to your baby and your family from water safety issues, we recommend installing a water purifier if you do not have access to sufficient and accurate monitoring data on the quality of the water in your home.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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