First foods database
💧 Water for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies drink water? From about 6 months, offer sips of water from an open or free-flow cup with meals. Breast milk or formula is still the main drink in the first year. Fully breastfed babies under 6 months do not need water, while formula-fed babies may need a little cooled boiled water in hot weather.
Good source of: Hydration, Fluoride
How to serve water by age
6 to 9 months
Offer a few sips of tap water from an open cup with each meal. Most will be spilled at first, which is part of learning.
9 to 12 months
Keep offering water with meals and snacks. Drinking from an open or free-flow cup without a valve is better for teeth than a bottle.
12 months and up
Water and milk are the best drinks for toddlers. Keep squash, juice and fizzy drinks out of the daily routine, and offer extra water in hot weather or after active play.
Choking safety
Small sips from an open cup are easy to manage. Help your baby tip the cup slowly.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Under 6 months: tap water should be boiled and cooled first.
- Bottled mineral water is not recommended for making formula unless labelled suitable, as it may be high in sodium.
Easy ideas
- Water in an open cup with meals
- Water with snacks between meals
- Extra sips on hot days
Goes well with
Recipes with water
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat water?
Can babies drink water? From about 6 months, offer sips of water from an open or free-flow cup with meals. Breast milk or formula is still the main drink in the first year. Fully breastfed babies under 6 months do not need water, while formula-fed babies may need a little cooled boiled water in hot weather.
How much water should a 6 month old drink?
Just sips with meals. Milk remains the main drink, and your baby will take what they need.
Is tap water safe for babies?
From 6 months, yes, straight from the mains tap. For babies under 6 months, boil and cool it first.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).