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When Is It Safe to Give Water to Infants?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• How Infants Stay Hydrated
• When Babies Can Start Drinking Water
• Making Sure Water Is Baby-Safe
• Risks of Water for Infants
• Water as Your Baby Grows

If you have a baby, you’re probably concerned about making sure they have enough water and nutrients to stay healthy. Even though your baby drinks breast milk or formula, is that enough to keep them hydrated? Yes. Here’s what you need to know.

How Infants Stay Hydrated

As an adult, water is the most hydrating thing you can drink. It quenches your thirst and helps all of your systems stay balanced. 

But children under a year old don’t need water like adults do. It can actually be dangerous for them. Babies get all their hydration from breast milk or formula.

When Babies Can Start Drinking Water

A baby should drink only breast milk or formula until they’re six months old. It has all the hydration and nutrition they need in the early months. 

Even when you start giving them purees or table food at around 6 months of age, breast milk and formula are still more important than water. But you can begin to introduce it. 

When babies are between 6 and 12 months of age, breast milk or formula continues to be a priority over water. But if you offer breast milk or formula first, you can then offer water, 2-3 ounces at a time. At this age, 4-8 ounces a day of water is enough. More than that may lead to water intoxication.

Making Sure Water Is Baby-Safe

Before using water to mix baby formula or offering a baby water for the first time, consider testing your tap water. While tap water may have fluoride that helps prevent tooth decay, it could also contain levels of lead that are unsafe for babies.

Most tap water in the U.S. is safe, with a few exceptions:

• If you have untested well water.
• If your water source has recently been contaminated.
• If your baby has low immunity‌.

If you’re worried about lead exposure and traces of chemicals in your water, install a filtration system or use distilled water instead which can be easily purchased.

Considerations for mixing formula with water. If you use tap water to mix formula, mix only one bottle at a time. Don’t  use tap water to mix formula in bulk amounts. 

A similar rule applies to water that you’ve boiled. Refrigerate boiled water within an hour, and throw it away if you don’t use it within 24 hours. Always allow the water to cool completely before mixing the formula. Hot water can burn your baby.

When you purchase formula, carefully follow the instructions on the container for mixing it with water. Instructions vary by brand. This will ensure your baby gets the right amount of nutrients and hydration. 

Mixing in too much formula may lead to constipation or dehydration. Mixing in too little formula may lead to malnutrition or water intoxication.

Risks of Water for Infants

Drinking too much water at a young age is very dangerous. Water causes an imbalance in sodium levels that may lead to:

• Seizures
• Brain damage
• Coma‌
• Death

Water intoxication leads to changes in behavior such as:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Muscle cramps and twitching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing‌
• Weakness

Watch for signs of water intoxication and call your doctor immediately if you have any concerns.

Water as Your Baby Grows

Between the ages of 1 and 3, your toddler needs 4 cups of liquid per day. This is a transitional period that should include both water and breastmilk or formula. The older your child gets, the more water they need. There are several ways you can encourage your older child to drink enough water.

Flavor water with fresh fruit. Water is healthier than juice since many children’s juices are full of sugar. If your child prefers the taste of juice, use fresh fruit to flavor their water. Lemon, berries, mint, and cucumber are great additions.

Offer more fruits and vegetables. Encourage your child to eat more fruits and vegetables with high water content. These help them stay hydrated without forcing them to drink more water than they want. Hydrating vegetables include cucumber, tomato, zucchini, celery, and iceberg lettuce. Hydrating fruits include strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, cantaloupe, and grapefruit.

Make creative ice cubes and popsicles. Puree your fruit of choice with water and freeze it into ice cubes or popsicle molds.

Provide special drinkware. Use a fancy cup with favorite colors or characters. When you find ways to make water fun, your child is more likely to enjoy drinking it.

The child's need for water. Myths and truth. Let's figure it out!

Author of article Belmer Sergey Viktorovich

501624 views

August 25, 2021

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Water calculator

Water calculator - calculate how much water your child needs.

Water is the basis of life and a natural component of the human body. Children's bodies especially need proper water intake. After all, it is at an early age that the most important stages in the development of the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and immune systems of the body occur.

The right diet for a child is the basis of his health and further development. And the sooner you help your child form the habit of competent water consumption, the easier it will be for him to maintain a healthy and proper lifestyle in the future.

A child's body is 80% water, and an adult's is 60%. So, let's figure it out: how much water is needed for the healthy development of a child's body, what kind of water is useful, and how often should a child be offered a drink?

These and other important questions on the topic are answered by Belmer Sergey Viktorovich , Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Hospital Pediatrics No. 2 of the Pediatric Faculty of the Russian National Research Medical University (RNIMU) named after. N.I. Pirogov.

Let's debunk the most popular myths about water, that is, the most popular misconceptions about its benefits, quantity, quality, and possible harm.

Myth #1: It is necessary to give your baby water from the moment of birth

It's a delusion. It all depends on the specific situation, whether the child is breastfed or not. How much and how often the child consumes breast milk or formula per day. Every age has different water needs. See for yourself:

Standards for the total daily water requirement of children

The table values ​​take into account all the water that the child receives during the day. This is pure water, and various drinks, and soups, and solid food, which also contains water.

Based on the data presented in the table, you can easily calculate the child's need for clean water. So, for example, take a baby weighing 3 kilograms. According to the table, we calculate the daily need of the baby for water: 3 kg * 90 ml = 270 ml / day. If you know how much water from milk or complementary foods a child receives per day, it is not difficult to calculate whether additional water should be given to the baby.

As a rule, a breast-fed baby up to six months of age has enough water from mother's milk and does not require additional water intake. With the introduction of complementary foods, additional water is required for the child.

But once again I want to remind you that the rate of water consumption is a purely individual value, which depends on the activity of the child, the biochemical characteristics of the child's body, on the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air.

Myth #2: Bottled water should still be boiled

Bottled water does not need to be boiled. The technology of water preparation and bottling ensures its sterility throughout the entire shelf life. In this regard, boiling, aimed specifically at the destruction of microorganisms in water, is not required in this case. In all other cases, such as tap water, spring, well, etc., it is necessary to boil. And sometimes more serious methods of processing such water are required, but it is not recommended to give such water to children.

Myth #3: There is no difference between "baby" and "adult" water.

"Children's" water is distinguished by higher quality requirements and a physiologically balanced composition. Bottled water of the first and, especially, the highest category is subject to very strict requirements for its safety, in particular, for its chemical composition. In the case of "baby" water, the requirements for its composition are even higher. In its production, it is necessary not only to prevent the excess of the concentration of macro- and microelements, but also to ensure their balanced content, taking into account the characteristics of the child's body.

Myth #4: Water can be easily replaced with juices, fruit drinks and other drinks

Any drink is a source of water. However, the composition of various drinks, such as juices, fruit drinks, etc., contains other substances besides water, such as sugar, the excess of which may be undesirable for a child. In this regard, replacing “clean water” with other drinks should be done with great care. After the introduction of complementary foods, juices and fruit drinks appear in the composition of the child's diet in regulated volumes.

Myth #5: Baby water is a marketing ploy

It's a delusion. "Children's" water, as I have already said, is distinguished by special requirements for its composition, in particular, the balance of the amount of macro- and microelements, corresponding to the needs of the child's body.

Myth #6: Boiled and filtered water is no different from baby water

Boiling destroys microorganisms. The results of filtration depend on the characteristics of the filter, but, first of all, particles suspended in it are removed.

Myth #7: Water with any mineral composition is good for a child

The water contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, iodine, selenium and many other macro- and microelements that are necessary for the body. It is important that their content does not exceed the permissible concentration. On the other hand, it should be borne in mind that water is not the exclusive and even the main source of these substances: the child receives them, first of all, from other foods. However, a deficiency of certain minerals in water, which is often observed in various regions of the world, can lead to diseases. Thus, water without minerals is hazardous to health.

Myth #8: Boiled water is best for formula feeding

It's a delusion. It is best to use specially prepared industrially "baby" water. It is safe and has an optimal chemical composition.

These are the main myths about water in terms of baby food and consumption that are encountered today. For a more detailed study of the topic, consider a few more frequently asked questions that parents of babies contact us with.

What are the benefits of the minerals indicated in the composition? (Ca, Mg, K, bicarbonates, sulfates, fluorides, chlorides)

Minerals in the composition of water are necessary for the normal course of metabolic processes. Calcium and magnesium are necessary for the formation of bones and the functioning of the nervous system, potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart and muscles, sodium is a key factor in almost all metabolic processes. It is very important that the chemical composition of water meets the needs of the body, which is achieved by certain technological methods in the production of special "children's" water.

How to persuade a child to drink water?

It's hard to persuade. The child drinks according to his needs. Feeling thirsty is an indicator of water intake. Water in a bottle or drinking bowl should always be nearby. Offer your baby first quality water, not sugary drinks.

How to teach a toddler to drink from a bottle?

In the first days and months of life, if necessary, you can gradually accustom the child to water, supplementing it with a spoon or from a bottle with a nipple. And if you start giving water at an older age, then you can immediately move on to a baby cup or sippy cup.

How to drink a child on a trip?

Special baby water is the best choice for a child while traveling. Such water is sterile and compensates for possible loss of salts, thanks to a balanced chemical composition.

How much baby water to take on a plane?

It depends on the age of the child and the duration of the flight, but not less than 100 ml. This is the minimum stock.

Should I give my baby water at night?

It is not necessary to water the child at night, but if such a need arises, offer the child a couple of sips of water. This is fine.

Should I give my child to drink after active games in the heat?

This must be done without fail, and not only after, but also during active games in the sun or in hot weather, since water is excreted from the body in significant quantities with sweating. Offer your baby water as often as possible. It is more convenient to take special "baby" water in a bottle for a walk, it has a small volume, but sufficient even for a two- or three-hour walk.

Children's water "FrutoNyanya" - from the first days of life!

Children's water "FrutoNyanya" is water of the highest category. Does not require boiling. The water is carefully balanced in terms of mineral composition and is suitable even for the smallest children.

FrutoNyanya special children's water is available in 0.

Choose the format that best suits you. A bottle of 0.33 liters is ideal for a walk. And for home use: preparing cereals, mixtures and pouring into a children's drinking bowl, bottled water of 1.5 liters will be convenient. A 5L canister is a great option for a large family or to take the required amount of water with you to the country.

Water quality control is carried out at all stages of the technological process of its production in the accredited testing center "FrutoNyanya". The test center employees take water samples at every stage of its production.

When extracting water from a well, the stage of water treatment, whether it is purification from mechanical impurities, the stage of normalizing the composition of water in terms of the content of macro- and microelements, the ozonation process or final filtration. Also, samples are taken without fail when pouring water into containers and its packaging.

All samples undergo mandatory testing for compliance with the requirements and standards. Product quality control is a continuous round-the-clock process of our center. If at least one discrepancy is found, the batch is not allowed to be sold.

Author of the article Belmer Sergey Viktorovich

Pediatric gastroenterologist, MD, professor.

All expert articles

How much water should a child drink and what water should a child be given?

Child's health is one of the main concerns of parents. Did you know that water plays a key role in the formation of the child's body and strengthening immunity? In this article, we will tell you how much life-giving liquid per day is recommended for children of different ages to drink and why this is important.

Science has long proved the great importance of drinking the required amount of water per day. And this is not surprising. So, the body of an adult is 60–75% water, and a child’s body is 80–90%. Water is easily absorbed by the body and has a strong influence on all processes occurring in it. Its lack leads to a deterioration in well-being, a decrease in immunity, and even weight gain. Often, the development of certain diseases is just a signal that our body does not have enough water! This liquid is especially important for children's health. And the sooner you help your child form the habit of drinking water regularly, the easier it will be for him to maintain a healthy lifestyle in adulthood.

As we have already said, water has a beneficial effect on health and is involved in vital processes. Regular consumption of a sufficient amount of water improves metabolism, maintains normal pressure and body temperature, reduces the risk of allergic reactions, and even has a positive effect on mood. Dehydration leads to rapid fatigue, fatigue, and the development of a number of diseases. Especially dangerous is the lack of water at elevated body temperature and on hot days.

Note!

The importance of keeping in drinking water the optimal ratio of biologically essential macroelements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) and some microelements (selenium, potassium, zinc, iodine, fluorine) is recognized at the state level. Physiologically high-grade water plays a particularly important role in the diet of children, pregnant women, and the elderly [1] .

Here is just a small list of changes in the body, which leads to lack of water:

• infections and allergic reactions;
• dry skin;
• kidney stones;
• digestive and metabolic problems;
• pain in joints and back;
• problems with teeth and gums.

In short, water is a natural component of our body. For children, the correct regimen and certain volumes of consumption of this fluid are especially important, since it is in childhood that all body systems are formed. And the sooner the child gets used to the regular use of water, the less often you will visit the doctor with him.

What kind of water to give your baby

What kind of water you give your baby will affect his health and well-being. Naturally, ordinary untreated tap water is out of the question, even if it is boiled. Water from wells or a pump room, as well as bottled water for adults, will not work either. The thing is that special regulatory requirements are imposed on children's drinking water and water for preparing baby food, which are contained in SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02 (as amended on June 28, 2010).

Baby water:

• must have a balanced mineral composition. However, the amount of salts and their concentration in children's water, according to the norms, is much lower than in water for adults;
• must be free of preservatives, including carbon dioxide and silver;
• if we are talking about bottled water, then the label should contain information that it is “water for baby food” and “water of the highest category”, as well as information that the product has been registered with Rospotrebnadzor.

  iodide-ions

  0.04-0.06 mg/l

  Fluoride ions

  0,6–1 mg/l.

  potassium

  2–20 mg/l

  calcium

  25–80 mg/l

  Bicarbons /l

  Stress

  1.5–7 m-EKV/l

  0.5–6.5 m-ecv 9000

  If you prefer bottled baby water, be sure to read the label. It must necessarily indicate: the type of water, its category, information on state registration, chemical and physiological composition, storage conditions, date of manufacture, place of collection and, of course, expiration date.

  Important!

  Not every bottled water has the right to be called children's water. To do this, the label must necessarily indicate - "for baby food." According to the experts of the quality monitoring system "Roskontrol" [2] , the phrases "for children" or "from the first days of life" often found on bottles of water are just a marketing ploy that does not impose on the manufacturer the obligation to follow the requirements of the legislation for the mineral composition and security. And, of course, the presence of children's drawings is also not a confirmation that the contents of the bottle meet the quality standards for children's drinking water.

  Perhaps it is precisely because of the high regulatory requirements that manufacturers are afraid to put the cherished words “for baby food” on the labels, thereby relieving themselves of responsibility. According to research by the non-profit organization Roskontrol conducted in 2016, out of 11 samples of bottled water from popular brands, which is positioned by manufacturers as children's, only three were tested: this is only 27% of the total number of tested samples. In the rest, an unbalanced salt composition was revealed, as well as a significant excess in the number of microorganisms that actively multiply at a temperature of 37°C, the content of chloroform, and even traces of mercury were found, although in small quantities [3] .

  Important!

  Heavy metals, which, unfortunately, can be found in many foods, tend to accumulate in the body. Accordingly, the norms are developed taking into account the total risk, which may have a delayed effect.

  Although a lot of time has passed since the testing by Roskontrol specialists, we were unable to find information on how exactly these shortcomings were corrected by manufacturers and whether they were corrected at all. In connection with such complaints about the quality of children's bottled water, many experts recommend giving children water purified in household filters intended for children, without the use of cartridges containing silver ions, which can disrupt the child's intestinal microflora and lead to the development of dysbiosis. Moreover, the use of household filters allows not only to purify water from microorganisms, excess salts, but also to enrich it with microelements necessary for the child, such as fluorine and magnesium.

  Water consumption rate for a child

  How much water does a child need to drink? The consumption rate will depend on age, weight, mobility, physical condition and even weather conditions.

  From birth to one year

  Babies up to four to six months, as a rule, get all the nutrients, including water, from their mother's milk. During this period, doctors do not recommend drinking water for babies. First of all, because it is at this time that the intestinal microflora is formed and any intervention can affect the process. Moreover, water fills the stomach and creates a false feeling of fullness - because of this, the baby may not eat up.

  The composition of mother's milk is perfectly adjusted to the needs of the child. And if the baby is hot, he is more often applied to the breast and as a result receives a lot of foremilk, which is 88-90% water. It is important that the mother herself consumes the required amount of water and does not feel thirsty!

  However, doctors allow giving babies from three months a little water on a spoon - but only in hot weather, when the child sweats or when his mouth dries up. In no case is it necessary to force, it is important to offer: if the baby wants, he will drink. This should be done between feedings. Water can also be given when the child has the following problems:

  • constipation;
  • diarrhea or vomiting;
  • hiccups;
  • fever.

  But this should also be done carefully, without persistence.

  But if the child is formula-fed or mixed-fed, then water has to be used for formula preparation and additionally given between feedings from the first day. But remember, the baby can drink no more than 100-200 ml per day.

  In general, babies under one year of age need 50 ml of water for every kilogram of body weight, but remember that approximately 75% of their water comes from milk and food. Therefore, in order to calculate how much of this life-giving fluid is needed to maintain water balance, it follows from the daily requirement indicator (50 ml, multiplied by the weight of the child) subtract the amount of water received with food (the volume of milk drunk in ml, multiplied by 0.75).

  1 to 3 years

  When solid foods are introduced into the baby's diet, the need for water increases. At the same time, children begin to actively move, so the intensity of fluid loss increases. You can calculate the daily water requirement in the same way: a child needs 50 ml of water per kilogram of weight. In this case, we are talking about pure non-carbonated water: juice, compote, tea and other similar drinks are not taken into account.

  Here are some signs that a child is not getting enough water:

  • dry lips;
  • dry and/or pale skin;
  • diaper not wet after six to eight hours of sleep;
  • the child shows anxiety, cries more often, but without tears;
  • urine is dark or has a strong odor;
  • the child is drinking water greedily.

  Three to seven years

  The older the child, the more water they drink. By school age, this volume will already reach 1.2–1.7 liters of water per day. At the same time, from the age of four, the nervous and skeletal system begins to actively form in the baby. Therefore, it is important that the water contains the required amount of fluorine and magnesium

  During this period it is important to teach the child to drink regularly. Care should be taken to ensure that water is always available. You can take handy bottles with you for walks.

  Important!

  For children with heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, the drinking regimen must be indicated by a doctor.

  ---

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