When Can Babies Have Water? A Guide for UK Parents

Quick answer: Babies can start drinking water from six months, when solid foods are introduced — offer small sips of cooled, boiled tap water in a free-flow sippy cup or open cup. Under six months, babies should not be given water at all, even in hot weather, because breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need.

What parents need to know

It is one of the most common questions new parents ask: when can my baby start drinking water? The answer depends on your baby's age and how they are being fed. Here is everything UK parents need to know.

Can newborns have water?

No. Babies under six months should not be given water — not even in hot weather. This is because:

• Breast milk and formula provide all the hydration a baby needs
• A newborn's kidneys are too immature to process water safely
• Water fills up a small tummy and can reduce milk intake, affecting nutrition and weight gain
• In rare cases, too much water can cause hyponatraemia (water intoxication), where sodium levels drop dangerously low

The NHS is clear on this: before six months, breast milk or formula is all your baby needs — even on warm days.

What about formula-fed babies in hot weather?

Even formula-fed babies do not need extra water before six months. If you are worried your baby is dehydrated in warm weather, offer extra formula feeds instead. Signs of dehydration include fewer than six wet nappies in 24 hours, dark yellow urine, a sunken fontanelle, and dry lips and mouth. If you notice these, contact your GP or health visitor promptly.

When can babies start drinking water?

From six months, once you begin introducing solid foods, you can offer small amounts of cooled, boiled tap water in a free-flow sippy cup or open cup. This helps keep your baby hydrated as their diet diversifies, protects developing teeth (unlike juice), and gets them used to drinking from a cup — a useful skill ahead of weaning off the bottle.

You do not need to offer large amounts — a few sips with meals is enough to begin with. Our Infatot soft-spout cups are designed with small hands in mind, making those first independent sips a little easier.

How much water does a baby need?

• 6–12 months: Sips with meals only — no specific daily target
• 12 months+: Around 6–8 cups of fluid per day (including milk), with water making up most non-milk drinks

What type of water is safe?

• Tap water (cooled and boiled for babies under 12 months) is perfectly safe in the UK and is preferred over bottled water
• Bottled mineral water is not recommended as it can contain high levels of sodium and sulphate
• From 12 months, tap water can be given without boiling

What about fruit juice or squash?

The NHS advises against giving fruit juices, squash, fizzy drinks or flavoured waters to babies and toddlers. Even 100% fruit juice is high in sugar and acid, which damages developing teeth. If you do introduce juice after 12 months, heavily dilute it (one part juice to ten parts water) and offer it only at mealtimes — never in a bottle.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give my baby water in hot weather?

Not before six months, even in warm weather. Breast milk or formula provides all the hydration your baby needs. If you are worried about dehydration, offer extra milk or formula feeds instead.

Is tap water or bottled water better for babies?

Tap water is preferred in the UK, cooled and boiled for babies under 12 months. Bottled mineral water is not recommended because it can contain high levels of sodium and sulphate.

How much water should a baby drink?

From six to twelve months, sips with meals are enough, with no specific daily target. From twelve months, aim for around six to eight cups of fluid a day, including milk.

Can babies have fruit juice or squash?

The NHS advises against fruit juice, squash, fizzy drinks and flavoured waters for babies and toddlers. After twelve months, dilute juice heavily — one part juice to ten parts water — and offer it only at mealtimes.