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When can babies have water?

The AAP's HealthyChildren.org says babies under 6 months should have only breast milk or formula, with no extra water. Around 6 months you can offer small amounts, about 4 to 8 ounces a day until the first birthday, and the CDC lists the same 4 to 8 ounces for ages 6 to 12 months. No fruit juice is advised before 12 months.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Under 6 months

Breast milk or formula only. The AAP says additional water is not recommended at this age.

6 to 12 months

Babies can be introduced to water around 6 months. The AAP says they only need about 4 to 8 ounces a day until they are a year old, because the rest of their liquids come from breast milk or formula. The CDC's list for ages 6 to 12 months says the same: breast milk or formula, plus water, 4 to 8 ounces a day.

Juice and other drinks

  • Before 12 months: no fruit or vegetable juice (CDC and AAP).
  • Before 12 months: no cow's milk as a drink (CDC).
  • From 12 months: plain whole cow's milk without added sugars, or a fortified unsweetened alternative (CDC).
  • From 12 months to 3 years, the AAP says up to 4 ounces a day of 100% fruit juice, in a cup.

Worried your baby isn't drinking enough?

The AAP says to call your pediatrician right away if you are worried your baby is not getting enough to drink.

Call your pediatrician if…

Your pediatrician knows your child. Call them if you have a worry about feeding or you are not sure what is right for your baby. These pages from the AAP and the CDC can also help:

Peabody editors write these pages from the sources below. We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice for your child.

Sources