Water Recommendations for Babies

So, you’ve mastered the food side of starting solids…but what about water? This is one of the most common questions we hear, so let’s break it down for you.

When Should I Introduce Water to My Baby?

If your baby is under 6 months, breast milk or formula is all they need. Offering water at this age can displace milk feeds and dilute electrolytes, which isn’t ideal. In cases of dehydration, such as during illness or extreme heat, additional milk feeds—not water—should be given.

From 6 months, you can offer small sips of water alongside meals, but milk feeds remain the primary source of hydration. This stage is more about building skills and healthy habits for drinking water.

The National Health and Medical Research Council states, “Exclusively breastfed infants do not require additional fluids up to 6 months of age.”¹

How Much Water Does My Baby Need?

Here’s a simple breakdown based on Australian guidelines:^2,3

0-6 months: ~ 700 ml per day from breastmilk or formula

7-12 months: ~ 800 ml daily, with at least 600 ml as actual fluids (not just from food)

1-3 yr: ~ 1.4 L per day, with at least 1 L from fluids like water or breastmilk

Please note that as with all things health and nutrition related, there can be individual circumstances that require a different approach. If your child has any specific health conditions or you have a reason to believe that these guidelines are unsuitable for your family, please speak to your healthcare provider for individual guidance.

Signs Your Baby is Hydrated

You’ll know your little one is getting enough fluids if they:

• Have 5-6 wet nappies a day.

• Produce pale, mild-smelling urine.

Signs of dehydration include dark urine, sunken eyes or fontanelle, dry lips, and excessive sleepiness. Dehydration can progress rapidly, particularly in very young children, so if you ever have any concerns please seek immediate medical attention.

How to Offer Water

The best options for offering water are an open cup or straw cup, as these support proper oral motor development and encourage healthy tongue and jaw movements. Sippy cups, while convenient, are not recommended for regular or longer term use as they can impact oral development over time.

Focus on teaching your baby to drink water rather than aiming for large quantities in the first six months of introducing it.

Confused about cups and how to introduce a cup or straw to your baby? Read all about it here!

What Type of Water Should I Use?

The Australian guidelines recommend boiled and cooled tap water for children under 12 months of age, and from 12 months of age the water no longer needs to be boiled. They also state that bottled water can be used to make up formula bottles if needed.⁴

If your family consumes filtered water this is also fine for your little one – and depending on the type of filter you have, you may still wish to boil and cool the water before offering it to your bub.

It is not recommended that babies consume sparkling water or flavoured waters, although a sip of sparkling water from time to time is likely ok. Just be mindful that the bubbles can cause some discomfort and gas in some children (and adults!).

What if My Child Won’t Drink Water?

Before 12 months, rely on milk feeds and keep offering small sips of water during meals. Beyond 12 months, try these fun ideas:

• Offering water in a special cup or with colourful straws.

• Adding novelty with lemon or mint.

• Allowing them to pour their own water from a small jug.

Can My Baby Drink Too Much Water?

Yes, overhydration can displace milk feeds and dilute electrolytes, leading to symptoms like excessive wet nappies, vomiting, fatigue or confusion.⁵

Keep in mind that excessive thirst can point towards underlying medical conditions, so if you feel like your child is craving water or drinking too much then please see guidance from your healthcare provider.

Navigating water intake can be tricky, but every baby is unique. If you need personalised guidance, our online clinic is here to help.

Book a consultation today to get expert advice tailored to your child’s needs!

References

1. Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council, Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand, Water, https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/water
2. Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council, Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand, Water
3. Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, NSW Government, Infant and Baby Nutrition, Introducing Fluids, 2025, accessed 11/3/26, https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-health-hub/kids-nutrition/infant-and-baby-nutrition/introducing-fluids
4. Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council, Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand, Water
5. Michael J Somers, MDAvram Z Traum, MD, (2021) Hyponatremia in children: Etiology and clinical manifestations, Up To Date,https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hyponatremia-in-children-etiology-and-clinical-manifestations (accessed 10th November 2022)