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DRMany parents wonder “Can babies drink water?” or “When can babies have water?”
Doctors and pediatricians recommend no water before 6 months old, and there are important reasons why.
Before 6 months, babies get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. Both are specially designed to provide the right balance of water, calories, and electrolytes for healthy infant growth.
A baby’s kidneys are still developing during the first months of life. Even small amounts of water can dilute sodium levels in the blood, which may lead to water intoxication in babies and make infants very sick.
Water can also fill a baby’s tiny stomach. When babies drink water, they may drink less breast milk or formula, which means fewer calories and nutrients during an important growth stage.
So when can babies drink water?
Around 6 months old, when babies begin starting solids, small sips of water can be introduced. At this stage, water mainly helps babies practice swallowing and digestion.
However, breast milk or formula should remain the main source of nutrition until at least 12 months.
Save this post for later and share it with a parent who is starting solids soon.
Follow @dr.spouse for evidence-based baby feeding tips, newborn care advice, and infant development guidance.
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