Babies under 6 months do NOT need water - breastmilk or formula (like NAN, Lactogen, Similac, Aptamil) provides all the hydration they need. After 6 months, you can start offering small sips of water with meals. The amount your child needs depends on their age, weight, and activity level. Here's a complete guide to keeping your little one properly hydrated.
Watch: Always look for this early hunger cues.Do you feed your baby only after they start crying?
Why no water?
Exception: Only give water if specifically advised by your pediatrician (rare situations like severe constipation or illness with dehydration - and then under medical guidance).
| Age | Water Amount | How to Give |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 months | 60-120ml (2-4 oz) daily | Small sips with meals |
| 8-12 months | 120-180ml (4-6 oz) daily | Sippy cup or open cup |
Key points:
| Age | Total Fluid Needs | Water Portion |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 years | 4 cups (1L) total fluids | 1-2 cups water |
| 2-3 years | 4-5 cups (1-1.2L) total fluids | 2-3 cups water |
Total fluids include: Water, milk, buttermilk, soups, dal, juicy fruits
| Age | Daily Water Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 4-8 years | 5 cups (1.2L) |
| 9-13 years | 7-8 cups (1.7-2L) |
| 14+ years | 8-11 cups (2-2.6L) |
Note: Hot weather, physical activity, and illness increase water needs.
Your baby is well-hydrated if:
If you notice severe dehydration signs, contact your pediatrician immediately or go to a hospital.
Important: If your baby is formula-fed, proper formula preparation is key to hydration.
| Formula | Water Amount | Powder |
|---|---|---|
| NAN Pro | As per label | Level scoops only |
| Lactogen | As per label | Use scoop provided |
| Similac | As per label | Don't pack powder |
| Aptamil | As per label | Follow instructions |
Critical: Always use the exact water-to-powder ratio specified on the tin:
Solution: Check formula preparation first. After 6 months, offer a little water. Consult pediatrician if concerned.
| Drink | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit juice | Avoid under 1 year, limit after | High sugar, low nutrition |
| Soft drinks | Avoid entirely for children | Sugar, caffeine, no nutrition |
| Sports drinks | Only during prolonged illness (ORS better) | High sugar and salt |
| Tea/coffee | Avoid for children | Caffeine affects growth |
| Packaged drinks | Limit or avoid | Added sugar, preservatives |
Better alternatives: Water, buttermilk (chaas), coconut water, fresh lime water (nimbu paani without sugar)
See your pediatrician if:
Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
A: No, even in Indian summers, babies under 6 months should NOT receive water. Breastmilk or properly prepared formula provides all hydration needed. If baby seems thirsty, offer more frequent milk feeds. Giving water can reduce appetite for nutritious milk and in severe cases cause water intoxication.
A: If you're preparing formula correctly (exact water-to-powder ratio), your baby is getting adequate fluids. Signs of good hydration: 6-8 wet diapers daily, pale urine, moist mouth. If baby seems constipated or has dark urine, check your formula preparation first, then consult your pediatrician.
A: While milk provides some hydration, too much milk (>500ml daily) can reduce appetite for food and water, and cause iron deficiency. Try limiting milk to 400-500ml and offering water in attractive cups, with meals, or flavored with fruit. If toddler still refuses, consult your pediatrician.
A: During diarrhea, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) is better than plain water as it replaces lost salts and minerals. For babies under 6 months, continue breastmilk/formula and give ORS only as advised by doctor. For older babies/children, give ORS between regular feeds. Consult your pediatrician for guidance.
A: Yes, RO (Reverse Osmosis) filtered water is safe for babies. However, for babies under 12 months, it's still recommended to boil and cool the water before use for formula preparation or drinking. RO removes most contaminants but boiling adds an extra safety layer.
A: Yes, you can do mixed feeding (both breastmilk and formula). Prepare formula with water as instructed - never mix formula powder directly into breastmilk. You can give breastmilk at some feeds and formula at others, or supplement after breastfeeding. Both NAN, Lactogen, Similac, and Aptamil are safe for mixed feeding.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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