As a new parent, you may be wondering when is the right time to introduce water into your baby’s diet. It can be confusing because there are so many different opinions out there on when babies should start drinking water. This blog post will provide an informative overview of the topic so that you can make an informed decision about when is the best time for your baby to start drinking water.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that infants under 6 months old should not drink any additional water besides what is found in breastmilk or formula. After 6 months old, babies may have some sips of plain water but it’s not necessary for them to drink large amounts of it. Breastmilk and formula provide all the hydration they need until they start eating solid foods at around 6 months old.
Once your baby is eating solid foods, it’s recommended that they start drinking a few ounces of plain water per day but no more than 4-8 ounces per day between 6 and 12 months old. After 12 months old, babies can drink up to 8 ounces per day but no more than 16 ounces per day. If you are concerned about how much water your baby is consuming, then speak with your pediatrician for advice and guidance on what is appropriate for your child’s age and health needs.
It’s also important to note that some juices may contain too much sugar or other additives which can be harmful to your baby’s health, so it’s best to avoid giving them juice until after their first birthday unless directed by your pediatrician. It’s also important to ensure that all bottles used for feeding babies are properly cleaned and sterilized to prevent any bacteria from growing inside them as this could lead to serious illnesses in young children.
Conclusion: To recap, the general guideline from the AAP recommends avoiding giving infants under 6 months additional water other than what is found in breast milk or formula and limiting infants between 6-12 months of age to 4-8 ounces of plain water per day with no more than 16 ounces per day once they reach 1 year old. If you have any questions or concerns about introducing water into your baby’s diet, then speak with your pediatrician for advice tailored specifically for your child’s individual needs and circumstances. With the right information and guidance, you can make sure that your baby has access to safe and healthy sources of hydration throughout their childhood!
