How Much Water Should Babies Drink? Age-wise Guide, Type of Water & How to Teach Drinking

Dr. Sandip Gupta

A pediatrician answers common parent questions about water for babies — when to start giving water, how much per age, and what type of water (RO, filter, Aquaguard) is safe. Covered in this video: When to start giving water Babies under 6 months should not be given water at all. Breast milk is about 80% water, so a breastfed baby's water needs are fully met. Formula milk, prepared with boiled water, also provides adequate water — no separate water is needed. Giving extra water to babies under 6 months fills them up, reduces appetite for milk, and takes away from the nutrition milk provides. If there's a specific reason to consider water before 6 months, consult your pediatrician first. Water quantity by age 6–9 months: Food (purees) is already very water-rich, so most water needs are met through food. Additionally, give about 20–30 ml of water after each semi-solid feed, totalling around 120 ml of extra water per day. 9–12 months: About 200–250 ml of water a day is sufficient; give roughly 40–60 ml after each feed (4–6 times a day) to reach this total. Over 1 year (rule of thumb): about 1 cup (≈240 ml) per year of age — 1 year old: 1 cup, 2 years: 2 cups, 3 years: 3 cups, 4 years: 4 cups, 5 years: 5 cups. Beyond 5 years, children generally regulate water intake based on their own thirst. (This guidance is referenced from Children's Hospital of Orange County, USA, and should be treated as a general guide, not a strict rule — follow the child's thirst.) Check adequate hydration by observing that the child urinates at least 6 times a day and the urine is clear like water. What type of water to give For children under 4 years, any water you regularly drink at home (filter, RO, Aquaguard, Aquapure, etc.) is fine — but it should always be boiled and cooled before giving, and the same boiled water should be used to prepare food, since young children have a higher risk of infection. No need to buy special bottled water. Give water at normal/room temperature — not too hot or too cold. In cold weather, mix in a little warm water to bring very cold water to a comfortable temperature. How to give water 6–12 months: cup, cup-and-spoon, or a sipper bottle. Over 12 months (1 year+): a water bottle with a straw or sipper. Tip for encouraging babies to drink water: use a personalised water bottle with the child's favourite cartoon or animal so they get attached to it and enjoy using it — don't worry if the baby plays or spills water while learning. Also model the behaviour yourself — drinking water in front of the child (especially over 1 year old) encourages them to imitate and develop the habit. Questions this video answers: When should I start giving my baby water? Do breastfed or formula-fed babies under 6 months need extra water? Why shouldn't I give water to a baby under 6 months? How much water should a 6–9 month old have per day? How much water should a 9–12 month old have per day? How much water does a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 year old need per day? How do I know if my baby is getting enough water? Is RO, filter or Aquaguard water safe for my baby? Should I boil water before giving it to my baby? Should I give my baby cold, hot or room-temperature water? What cup, sipper or bottle should I use to give my baby water? My baby doesn't want to drink water — how do I encourage them? Relevant for: parents of babies and young children from 6 months to about 9 years, planning water intake and hygiene, and parents struggling to get their child to drink enough water. Disclaimer: All information and suggestions given in this video are general health information. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are considering giving water to a baby under 6 months for any reason, please consult your pediatrician first.