Learning how to introduce water to a baby is an important part of transitioning to complementary feeding. For most babies, plain water can be introduced at around 6 months, when they begin eating solid foods. Before 6 months, healthy breastfed babies generally do not need additional water because breast milk provides the fluids they need. Formula-fed babies also receive most of their fluid through infant formula.
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Wait Until Around 6 Months
For most babies, water can be introduced when complementary foods begin at around 6 months. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, meaning no other food or drink, including water, is normally needed.
If your baby is younger than 6 months and you are concerned about thirst, dehydration, or feeding, speak with a healthcare professional rather than routinely giving water.
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Check That Your Baby Is Ready for Complementary Feeding
Around 6 months, many babies develop the skills needed to eat and drink safely.
Signs of readiness can include sitting with support, controlling the head and neck, opening the mouth for food, and swallowing rather than pushing food out with the tongue.
- Check head and neck control
- Introduce water when complementary feeding begins
- Follow your baby’s developmental abilities
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Start With Small Amounts
When introducing water, you do not need to give a large amount at once. Offer small amounts alongside meals and allow your baby to become familiar with drinking.
At this age, breast milk or infant formula remains an important source of nutrition.
- Start with small amounts
- Offer water during meals
- Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding
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Use a Small Open Cup
Introducing an open cup can help your baby develop drinking skills. You can offer a small amount of water while the baby is sitting upright and supervised.
The aim at first is to practise drinking rather than replacing milk feeds with water.
- Use a small cup
- Keep the baby sitting upright
- Offer water slowly
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Offer Plain, Safe Drinking Water
Give your baby clean, safe drinking water. Water quality is especially important because contaminated water can cause illness.
If you are unsure whether your local water supply is safe for your baby, ask a healthcare professional or local water authority about appropriate treatment.
- Use safe drinking water
- Keep cups clean
- Avoid contaminated water
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Do Not Replace Breast Milk or Formula With Water
Water should complement feeding rather than replace breast milk or infant formula during the first year.
Breast milk or infant formula remains the main source of nutrition for young babies, while complementary foods and drinks are gradually added from around 6 months.
- Continue breastfeeding if applicable
- Continue giving infant formula as recommended
- Avoid filling the baby’s stomach with water
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Avoid Sugary Drinks
When introducing water, it is best to make plain water the normal choice rather than sweetened drinks.
Babies and young children do not need added sugars in their diet, and sugary drinks can contribute unnecessary sugar to the diet.
- Choose plain water
- Avoid adding sugar
- Avoid sweetened drinks
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Never Add Honey to Baby’s Water
Do not add honey to water for a baby younger than 12 months. Honey can cause infant botulism, a serious form of food poisoning.
This also applies when honey is added to other foods, formula, or a pacifier.
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Let Your Baby Practise
Your baby may spill water, cough lightly while learning, or take time to understand how to drink from a cup. Learning to drink is a developmental skill.
Stay close and supervise every feeding session.
- Be patient
- Allow your baby to practise
- Do not force water
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Pay Attention to Hydration
As babies grow and begin eating different foods, their fluid needs change. Breast milk, formula, foods, and water all contribute to fluid intake depending on age.
During illness, babies may need additional fluids, but the appropriate approach depends on the child’s age and condition. Seek medical advice if you are concerned about dehydration.
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Avoid Giving Too Much Water
Large amounts of plain water are not appropriate for young babies because water can displace breast milk or formula and may interfere with adequate nutrition.
For this reason, introduce water gradually and continue to prioritize milk feeds during the first year.
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Keep the Drinking Cup Clean
Wash your baby’s cup regularly and keep it in a clean place. Good hygiene is particularly important as babies explore objects and frequently put things in their mouths.
Clean preparation and feeding practices help reduce the risk of infections.
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Watch for Signs That Your Baby Needs Medical Attention
If your baby has repeated vomiting, significant diarrhoea, unusually few wet nappies, extreme sleepiness, a dry mouth, or other signs that suggest dehydration, seek medical care.
Do not rely on large amounts of plain water to treat dehydration. A healthcare professional can advise whether breastfeeding, formula, or an oral rehydration solution is appropriate.
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Make Water Part of Mealtime
Once your baby is comfortable drinking, continue offering small amounts of plain water with meals. This helps establish healthy drinking habits while the baby continues receiving breast milk or formula.
As your child grows, water can become an increasingly important everyday drink.
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Be Patient With the Transition
Every baby learns at a different pace. Some babies accept water quickly, while others need more time to become comfortable with a cup.
Focus on safe practice, appropriate amounts, and continued nutritious feeding rather than forcing your baby to drink.
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