When should I offer water?

Offering water to a baby under 6 months old can be very harmful.

Babies' kidneys are not strong enough to handle water until they are 6 months old. It can cause seizures.

After they turn 6 months old, you can offer a small amount of water to your baby. Start with 1-2 ounces of water in a cup. Drinking water early on will help them to drink more water as they get older.

Why should I offer water?

Best way to hydrate the body.
Helps to create saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps to digest food and eat foods comfortably.
Keeps the body cool.
Helps remove waste through bowel movements, sweat, and urine.
Keeps energy and activity levels up!
Prevents constipation.

How much water should I offer?

6-12 months: 4-8 ounces per day
1-2 years old: 1-4 cups per day
2-5 years old: 1-5 cups per day

Water is not a replacement for infant formula, breastmilk, or cow’s milk. Water should be offered during the day as needed.

What kind of water should I offer?

Once your baby is around 6 months old, you may offer them water from the tap.

Concerned about the safety of your water?

You can talk to your local WIC staff if you are concerned about your water.

The United States has one of the safest public (city) water supplies in the world. However, you may be concerned about the quality of your home’s public water. You may also be interested in learning whether or not your city water contains flouride. Interested in learning more about your city water? A great place to start is the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water hotline (link will open in a separate window).

More than 13 million households rely on private wells for drinking water in the United States. Well water is not filtered like city water. If you live in a rural area, it is important to know your water’s nitrate and chemical levels. Well water does not contain flouride. You can learn more about keeping your well water safe at the EPA's website (link will open in a separate window).

You can also call your local health department to learn how to have your water tested.

In the meantime, you may offer unflavored bottled water.