When Can An Infant Drink Water?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing water into an infant's diet at 6 months of age after consultation with the child's pediatrician.
Prior to 6 months of age, breast milk is the recommended source of hydration for babies, and when breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula should be given.
Any water given to an infant by itself or in infant formula should be approved by a local health department.

Hydration Before Six Months of Age

Prior to 6 months of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving a child breast milk exclusively. Breast milk contains the most nutrients possible for a baby's proper growth. If the baby or mother is unable to breastfeed, infant formula is the next best source of liquid until the child reaches 6 months of age. Water or juice should not be given to a child under 6 months of age.

USDA Water Precautions

To ensure that that the water given to infants is safe, the USDA recommends that parents use water sources approved by their local health department and follow a routine of sterilization.
To avoid traces of lead, parents should use cold water that has been run in the tap for 2 minutes. Water should be boiled for 1 to 2 minutes and then cooled. Before feeding water that has been boiled to an infant, parents must always test the temperature to ensure that it is adequately cool and will not burn the baby's mouth or throat.
Water should be sterilized both when given to infants by itself or when used in infant formula.

Water Intoxication

Beyond concerns about absorption of nutrients, pediatricians do not recommend water for infants before 6 months of age because of the risk for water intoxication.
In rare cases, water intoxication can occur when a child drinks too much water and his sodium concentration becomes imbalanced. This imbalance upsets the baby's electrolytes, causing body tissues to swell and possibly leading to seizures or a coma.
Water intoxication can also occur when a parent adds too much water to her child's infant formula.

Water in Infant Formula

Water used in infant formula should be used in accordance with the directions on the formula's container. The use of too little water can lead to dehydration and affect the child's digestive and endocrine system. Too much water will interfere with the caloric content of the formula, which could hinder the child's growth, or, in rare cases, cause water intoxication. Water should always be sanitized as suggested by USDA regulations.

Infant Water Needs

Once a baby is past 6 months of age, she should drink 2 to 4 oz. of water twice per day until she reaches 1 year of age. At 12 months of age, children should drink at least 4 oz. per day, based on the child's thirst.
Signs that an infant needs more water include fewer wet diapers, a sunken soft spot, a dry mouth and gums, a lack of tears when crying and constipation.