BLW and Water: Ultimate Guide to Help Babies Drink Water Safely
When it comes to giving water during baby-led weaning, many parents get confused about the rules. You may wonder: How much water is safe? When should my baby drink it?
Water might seem simple, but when it comes to baby water needs, there are a lot of factors to consider.
This post will cover when and how to offer water during baby-led weaning, the best practices for introducing it, and what to avoid.
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Does my baby need water? Why or why not?
For the first six months of life, breastfed babies and those on commercial infant formula don’t need any additional water.
Human milk and formula provide all the fluids and nutrients young babies need, even during hot weather.
Offering water before six months can reduce the amount of milk they consume, leaving less room for the nutrition they need to grow.
Babies’ water intake should only begin when they’re ready for solid foods. Even then, a small amount of water is all that’s needed to complement the baby’s diet.
When can babies drink water? When to safely introduce it.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend offering water when babies start eating complementary foods, around six months of age.
At this point, their kidneys can handle small sips of water without risking water intoxication.
For a safe start, offer water in a free-flow open cup, or straw cup during mealtimes.
This helps your baby develop fine motor skills and cup-drinking skills, which are important for drinking thicker liquids like cow’s milk when they’re older.
Young babies shouldn’t have fruit juice, artificial sweeteners, or sparkling water. These aren’t necessary and can interfere with your baby’s new tastes and water needs.
How much water can babies have?
Here is the official recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how much water to feed your baby and toddler in the early years.
- The AAP recommends that babies between the ages of 6-12 months only have about 4-8 oz of water a day.
- Babies between 12 – 24 months can have 8-32 oz of water per day.
- Toddlers between 2-5 years can have 8-40 oz per day.
When you introduce water for the first time, offer a small amount of water—just a few sips alongside meals.
It’s a good idea to increase their water intake slowly over time, but breastmilk or formula should remain the main source of hydration for the first year of age.
As your baby grows, especially closer to 12 months of life, you can offer more water.
Older babies and toddlers may drink from a water bottle or an open cup with the rest of the family.
Keep in mind, that too much water can reduce a baby’s intake of solid foods and milk.
How should water be offered to a baby?
The best option for introducing water is an open cup or a straw cup. These specific cups encourage good drinking habits and improve oral development.
Avoid sippy cups long-term since they don’t support the same fine motor skills, and can cause problems with speech development in the future.
Make sure to offer water at room temperature and in small amounts to avoid overwhelming your baby. The Ezpz tiny cup is one popular choice among parents starting baby-led weaning.
What kind of water can babies drink?
Your baby’s water must be clean and safe. Tap water is usually fine, but check your local water quality or ask your child’s doctor if you’re unsure.
Boiling tap water and letting it cool is a better option in areas with current water conditions that might not meet safety standards.
Avoid offering water with artificial sweeteners, sparkling water, or water with added flavors. For babies under one year, plain water is the best way to meet their water needs.
FAQs About Giving Babies Water During BLW
My baby/toddler won’t drink water! How can I get my child to drink water?
Some babies need time to adjust to new tastes like plain water. Try offering small sips of water with meals or mixing in fresh fruit for flavor. Offering water alongside a variety of foods can encourage them to want to drink more.
Can babies drink sparkling water?
No, sparkling water isn’t safe for young babies. The bubbles can be uncomfortable and cause gas and bloating. Plain water is always the best option.
At what age should I introduce a cup?
Introduce a free-flow cup, open cup, or straw cup at six months of age. This helps them practice drinking thin liquids and develop important cup-drinking skills.
Can water affect my baby’s hunger and fullness cues?
Yes, too much water can fill your baby’s stomach, leaving less room for milk or solid foods. Breastmilk and formula should be the main source of nutrients in your baby’s first year of life.
They contain enough water to provide hydration, even when your baby is eating solid food. That’s why it’s recommended to only offer your baby 4-8 oz of water in the first 6-12 months of life.
Feeding your baby too much water will result in them taking in less nutrients from solid food or milk, which won’t be good for their growth and development.
Risks of giving your baby water too soon
Giving extra water to babies under 6 months can cause water intoxication, a condition where too much water dilutes important nutrients in the blood.
Water can also fill up the stomach, leaving little room for breastmilk or formula. This may lead to malnutrition and other issues.
Always wait until your baby starts solid foods before offering any amount of water.
Should babies drink water when it’s hot outside?
Breastfed babies and formula-fed babies don’t need additional water in hot weather before six months. Older babies eating finger foods can have a little bit of extra water to stay hydrated.
Final Words About Giving Water to Babies During Baby-led Weaning
Water is a key part of baby-led weaning, but it should be introduced carefully and in the right way.
Use these best practices to make sure your baby’s water consumption supports their health and development.
Offering water at the right time helps them build healthy habits and enjoy mealtimes with the rest of the family!
