How to Give Babies Water to Drink

During his first 6 months, a baby should get all the hydration and nutrition he needs from formula or breast milk. Giving an infant water can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and sodium balance in the body and can cause other problems. Around 4 to 6 months of age, babies can be introduced to a sippy cup with small amounts of water for practice. Speak with your pediatrician before adding water to your baby's diet.

Things You'll Need

  • Sippy cup

Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce water after baby has had breast milk, formula or solids so she will not fill up on water instead of essential nutrients.

    • 2

      Fill a sippy cup with 2 to 4 ounces of water.

    • 3

      Give the sippy cup to baby to allow him to practice drinking from the cup.

    • 4

      Allow her to drink water as desired after her first birthday, when she is eating a range of solid foods and drinking whole milk.

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