When to Give Water to Your Baby: Guidelines for Parents

Many mothers wonder when it’s appropriate to start giving water to their babies, especially during the early months of infancy. They also question the right amount of water to maintain their baby's health—believing, correctly, that water is essential to life. After all, the human body is mostly made of water, which flows through our veins and cells and is vital for numerous body functions. However, despite its undeniable benefits, water should not be given to infants without proper guidance and medical consideration.

To address this important issue, Nadormagazine spoke exclusively with pediatric and neonatal specialist Dr. Wafaa Mansour. She explained the risks of water intoxication in infants, how to prevent it, and how to safely introduce water to a baby based on age.

Benefits of Water for Babies

Water plays a crucial role in regulating vital functions in a baby's body, such as heart and lung activity, digestion, and nutrient absorption.
It helps keep the body hydrated and protects babies from dehydration.
Water also prevents constipation, especially once solid foods are introduced into the baby's diet.

When Can I Start Giving Water to My Baby?

Doctors recommend starting to introduce water after the baby is 4 to 6 months old, and typically when solid foods are added to the baby's diet. Before this age, whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed, they receive all the fluids they need through milk. Introducing water too early can actually cause harm.

Some mothers mistakenly believe that giving water right after birth is helpful—perhaps due to concerns that their milk hasn’t come in yet or that water might help prevent jaundice. However, research suggests that giving water to newborns can increase the risk of jaundice.

Another common mistake is dissolving sugar candy in water to feed newborns. This not only lacks nutritional value but also tricks the baby into consuming something that offers no benefit and may reduce their appetite for breast milk.

Dangers of Giving Water Too Early: Water Intoxication in Infants

Giving water before 4 months of age—especially on a daily basis—can cause water intoxication, which dilutes the sodium levels in the baby’s blood. This may lead to:

Swelling of cells
Weight gain (not in a healthy way)
In severe cases, even coma or death

Symptoms of Water Intoxication in Infants:

Unusually clear urine
Lethargy, drowsiness, and sluggishness
Irritability or unexplained fussiness
Lowered body temperature (below 36°C)
Vomiting and nausea
Swelling in arms, legs, or face
Irregular breathing
Possible fainting episodes

⚠️ Important: Water intoxication is a medical emergency and cannot be treated at home. A doctor will restore the baby's electrolyte balance and restrict water intake to allow excess water to be flushed out through urination.

How to Tell If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Water

Once you start offering water (after 4–6 months), watch the color of your baby’s urine:

Dark-colored urine: Baby may need more water
Very concentrated yellow urine: Indicates dehydration
Clear or pale yellow urine: Baby is likely well-hydrated

Symptoms of Dehydration in Babies Over 6 Months

If your baby doesn’t get enough water after 6 months, signs of dehydration may appear, such as:

Sunken eyes
Dry or wrinkled skin
Bad breath
Reduced urine output
Unusual irritability, constant crying
Sleep disturbances and poor mood
Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Constipation, due to slowed digestion and lack of fluids

Recommended Water Intake by Age and Weight

Starting at 4 Months:

After introducing solid foods, give 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of water after each meal.
This complements the reduced number of milk feedings and supports digestion.

General Water Guidelines by Weight (after 2 years of age):

50 ml of water per kg of body weight daily
- Child weighing 10 kg: needs 500 ml of water per day
- Child weighing 15 kg: needs 750 ml
- Child weighing 20 kg: needs 1 liter

When Should You Increase Water Intake?

Hot weather: Babies lose more fluids through sweat.
Diarrhea: Increases risk of dehydration—extra water is essential.
Infections, especially UTIs: Water helps flush out harmful bacteria and reduce complications.

Key Takeaways for Parents:

✅ Do not give water to infants under 4 months old.

✅ Introduce small amounts of water once solid foods are introduced.

✅ Watch for signs of dehydration or water intoxication.

✅ Never replace milk feedings with water.

✅ Follow medical advice about water intake based on your child’s age, weight, and health condition.