9 Easy Ways to Keep Bub Hydrated (Once Solids Start)

By Jessica Kurosaki, Le Purée Head Dietitian

Keeping babies hydrated sounds simple, but it can feel oddly confusing once solids enter the picture. For babies 6-12 months, breastmilk or formula still does most of the work - water is just a little extra support. The goal is small, steady top-ups, not big gulps.

1. Offer water the safe way

Water for babies should be boiled first, then cooled to room temperature. Many parents boil a few litres at once and keep it ready, do whatever makes life easier.

2. Keep water casual

A few sips with meals or between meals is plenty. Open cups, straw cups, or whatever your baby will tolerate that week all count. Keep offering without pressure.

3. Don’t panic if water intake is low

It’s normal if your baby isn’t drinking much water yet. Hydration doesn’t only come from cups, food helps too.

4. Lean into watery foods

Watermelon is basically edible water and a huge baby favourite. Offer soft sticks or small pieces they can gum safely (remove seeds and expect mess).

5. Use hydrating purees

Gentle, runny purees are great for hydration. Fruit purees like dragonfruit, blueberry, apple, or pear can be spooned, mixed into yoghurt, or served slightly chilled.

PICTURED: Le Purée Banana Dragonfruit Chia Seed Purée

6. Think beyond fruit

Other watery foods count too - cucumber (soft, peeled and supervised), ripe pear, strawberries, oranges (membrane removed), peach, and even cooked zucchini. If you loosen a puree with extra water, that’s an easy hydration win.

7. Try a mesh teether hack

For teething babies, a mesh teether filled with watermelon, pear, or dragonfruit lets them chew and suck out the juices. Soothing and hydrating.

8. Use frozen fruit on warm or fussy days

Freezing watery fruit puree into mini ice blocks or “lollies” using a silicone mould can be a refreshing way to top up fluids. This isn’t about replacing feeds, just a gentle extra.