How to Get Your Baby to Drink Water

Until 6 months of age, babies are able to consume a diet of only breast milk or formula without additional food or water. After 6 months, it is important for parents to begin offering small amounts of water to encourage their child to develop a taste for water without additives such as sugar. This task can be difficult, especially in picky babies who don't adapt well to change. Parents should make drinking water an enjoyable activity to encourage their infant to drink more of it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Offer a cup of water at each meal and encourage your baby to drink some. Offering it every time makes it more likely that she will try it.

    • 2

      Try various designs of cups to determine if you are using a cup that your baby likes. Different cups types include "sippy" cups and cups with built-in straws.

    • 3

      Add a small amount of juice to the water; only add enough to give it a slightly sweet taste.

    • 4

      Praise the baby whenever he drinks some water. Tell him that you are proud of him and that he's a big boy, to provide positive reinforcement.

    • 5

      Allow your baby to drink from a cup without a lid on under your supervision. This makes drinking water fun by allowing baby to imitate Mom and Dad.

    • 6

      Set a positive example by drinking lots of water in front of your child. Make a big deal out of it by saying that the water tastes good and how much you love drinking it.

    • 7

      Freeze water in ice cube trays with a small amount of juice mixed in. Add Popsicle sticks to make homemade freezer pops.

    • 8

      Offer the baby different temperatures of water. Some babies like ice-cold water, while others prefer warm or room-temperature drinks.

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