By Jessica Kurosaki, Le Purée In-House Dietitian
When Can Babies Start Drinking Water?
Introducing water to your baby can feel like a sweet little milestone, right alongside their first tastes of food.
For the first six months, babies get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula, but once solids are on the menu, tiny sips of water can become part of their day. It’s not about replacing milk. It’s about helping them explore something new and building the skills they’ll use as they grow.
Plus, the additional water may help to ease the transition to solids on their digestive system which might get a little… stuck.
How Much Water Does a Baby Really Need?
The safest way to start is with cooled, boiled water. Boiling the water keeps it clean and suitable for little tummies, and once it cools, it’s perfect for offering in small amounts.
At this stage, your baby only needs a few sips here and there, usually at mealtimes. It helps them learn what water tastes like and supports their digestion as they try new foods. Make sure not to leave them with large volumes to gulp down between meals- because their tums are so tiny that even a big sip could offset their appetite for the next meal.
Open Cups: Messy, Magical, and So Worth It
Using an open cup might sound ambitious, but babies are often far more capable than we expect. Holding a tiny cup to their lips and letting them take the lead, even if it’s just a dribble at first, is a brilliant way to support oral motor development.
It helps them learn how to move their tongue, close their lips properly and control the flow of liquid, all without relying on the sucking action they’re used to from bottles.
Yes, it’s messy. But it’s also adorable and so beneficial.
Straw Cups and Beakers: What Helps and What to Skip
Drinking from a straw is another excellent way to build oral strength and coordination. Many babies find sipping from a straw fun and silly!
You could also use free flowing beakers, especially when out and about. They can be handy, but when you’re at home, the open cup wins for helping babies learn real sipping skills. Try to avoid cups with valves or spouts, as these keep babies in that sucking pattern for longer, and sipping is what helps them move towards confident, independent drinking.
When to Offer Water During the Day
Offering water during mealtimes is usually enough. A few small sips help prevent constipation, make new foods easier to manage and turn drinking into a natural part of their routine. And don’t worry if your baby seems unsure at first. Some take to water immediately, while others need time to warm up to the idea.
Introducing water isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving your baby a gentle chance to explore something new, supporting their development and enjoying the little moments as they try.
Spilling and splashing are normal (and expected) as your baby learns to drink. Embrace the mess- it’s actually a crucial step in building independence and confidence at mealtimes.
