Most babies will get all the hydration they need from breast milk for the first six months of their life and will not require any additional water. In fact, giving newborn babies water can be detrimental to baby’s health as it could interfere with their ability to absorb nutrients in breast milk or formula. This is why it is so important to follow the instructions on the formula packet with regards to how much water to mix with the formula.

There may be some instances in which your doctor will recommend giving your baby extra sips of water before they are six months old. For example, if baby suffers from bad constipation or gastroenteritis. While a few sips of water re unlikely to harm your young baby, you should only give baby water if your doctor has instructed it.

At six months old, your baby is ready for their first sips, but if you give them too much water they can get a bad tummy ache or not eat properly. When baby is one year old and eating solids you can let them drink as much water as they like.

If you think your baby is ready to start drinking water, please read our guide to choosing a sippy cup.