Water is essential to life for babies. In fact, your little one’s body is made up of 80% water. And because infants dehydrate very quickly, how can you ensure they receive adequate hydration, especially during hot summer weather? When should you start giving your infant water, how often, with what kind of water, and at what temperature? Élhée provides all the answers in this new article.
CONTENTS:
- Why is water so important?
- What are babies’ water needs?
- When should you give a child their first bottle of water?
- In hot weather, how do I know if my baby is drinking enough?
- Hydrating your baby also happens during meals
Why is water so important?
An infant can become dehydrated very quickly: because their body is made up of 80% water, because their skin surface is greater than that of an adult, fragile and without lipid protection, and because their kidneys, which are still immature, cause them to eliminate more frequently. It is therefore crucial to ensure that your baby receives enough water throughout the day.
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For a well-hydrated body
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Water helps maintain a stable body temperature, which is especially important for babies, who are more sensitive to temperature changes.
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Adequate hydration is essential for the proper function of vital organs, including the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
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For the urinary system
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Drinking water helps the body eliminate accumulated waste and toxins through urine, promoting kidney health and preventing urinary tract infections.
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For healthy skin
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Well-hydrated skin is softer, more supple, and less prone to irritation or rashes.
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For brain development
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Clean water in sufficient quantity is essential for the nervous system to function properly, including the transmission of signals between the brain and muscles.
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For electrolyte balance in metabolism
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Natural mineral water helps maintain electrolyte balance (which carry positive or negative ions in the body’s fluids), which play a specific role in muscle contractions and regulating acid-base balance.
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For a strong immune system
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Good hydration helps support the immune system by facilitating the circulation of nutrients and immune cells throughout the body.
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For digestion and good nutrient absorption
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Once baby is eating a diversified diet, the water they drink helps them break down, digest, and absorb food.
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Drinking enough water also helps maintain soft, regular stools, which prevents constipation, a common problem in babies.
What are babies’ water needs?
According to data published by the French Society of Pediatrics, depending on their age, the season, and their health status, children have different hydration needs.
| Age | Main source of hydration | Average daily water needs |
| Birth to 6 months | Breast milk or infant formula | 700 to 800 mL of water via milk (i.e. 125 to 150 mL/kg/day) |
| 6 to 12 months | Breast milk or infant formula + introduction of solid foods | 800 to 1,000 mL total — including water from food, milk, and small amounts of water (i.e. 100 to 110 mL/kg/day) |
| 12 to 24 months | Breast milk, or infant formula, or cow’s milk + solid foods | 1,000 to 1,300 mL total — including water from foods, milk, and water (i.e. 100 mL/kg/day) |
As with adults, babies’ water needs increase when it’s hot, and also in the case of diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. If this is the case for your child, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician right away.
From 6 months
Babies at this age still consume between 500 and 800 mL of milk each day, which can be supplemented with small amounts of water offered in another bottle or, for a change, in a sippy cup.
Recommended from 6 months onward, the Bubble training cup holds 240 mL, just the right amount, allowing your baby to meet their water needs for good health in addition to their bottles of milk. Made from 100% healthy, soft, unbreakable medical-grade silicone and equipped with a leak-proof suction spout, it is especially suitable for babies’ first movements.
From 1 year and up
From 12 to 24 months, children’s daily milk needs don’t change much and remain between 500 and 800 mL. Their water needs, on the other hand, increase to 1 to 1.3 L per day, which are easily met with milk, cup water, and the water contained in foods, especially in summer.
BEFORE 6 MONTHS OF AGE, your baby doesn’t need to drink water. The breast milk or formula they consume is enough to meet their hydration and nutritional needs. On this subject, the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, for all mothers who can. So, if it’s very hot or your baby is sick (which can cause significant water loss through sweating or stools), doctors first recommend increasing the number of feedings or bottles to enhance hydration. Note that water is neither dangerous nor forbidden, but discouraged before 6 months because it is unnecessary, may make your baby feel full too soon, and may cause diarrhea if given in large quantities. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend giving a few small sips of water between your baby’s milk feeds.
When should you give a child their first bottle of water?
To put it simply, remember that the first sips of plain water should coincide with the first bites of solid food. You can therefore offer your baby a first small bottle of water a short time after starting solids.
If you chose the Élhée newborn gift set, it’s time to get out the tiny 150 mL bottle and equip it with an XS extra-slow flow nipple to minimize the risk of baby choking.
If your child refuses to drink their water, try again later, in a different container, or after you drink a few sips yourself to encourage them, but don’t add sugar, syrup, or even a little juice, which are far too sweet.
Of course, if your little one is asking for a drink and wants to be like you, it may be time to offer them their first child’s cup.
Which water should you choose?
Whether you’re making a bottle or offering it in a glass, the composition of water for babies should always be checked carefully. Note that waters such as Mont Roucous, Évian, or Volvic—or beyond the brand, all low-mineral-content waters without nitrates and with a dry residue at 180°C of less than 500 mg per liter—are perfectly suitable.
To help, look for the label “Suitable for preparing infant foods” on the bottle. For more information, regulations on bottled natural mineral and spring water quality criteria are detailed in the Order of March 14, 2007.
Tap water, in France, can also be used without problem for baby bottles from birth. It even has the advantage of producing no plastic waste. However, before using it, always follow a few rules:
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Let the water run for a few seconds before collecting it,
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Use only cold water,
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Do not use a water filter pitcher or water softener, as bacteria can overgrow in them,
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Clean and descale your faucets regularly.
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Was your home built before 1948? To avoid lead that may be present in the pipes, choose bottled water.
For your baby’s digestive comfort, in addition to good hydration, offer preferably water at room temperature and in small amounts during and outside meals. However, if you use bottled water, keep it in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours of opening to avoid bacterial growth (bottled water is not sterile).
In hot weather, how do I know if my baby is drinking enough?
When a child is born, new parents have lots of questions. That is normal. And the bad news is that, over time, it doesn’t really get any easier 😉. As the months and years go by, more questions arise—fortunately, often with their answers. For example: water for babies, when it’s hot, how do you know if your baby is well-hydrated?
3 signs of good hydration
Generally, a content baby is smiling and pleasant, eats well, and sleeps well. So, a well-hydrated baby wets their diapers regularly in quantity, day and night, is alert, responsive, and has supple skin that returns quickly to place after gentle pressure.
11 symptoms that may indicate dehydration
On the other hand, if you have doubts, if your baby worries you, or if you think they may be lacking water, don’t panic—call your pediatrician or go directly to the office. In the meantime, check for these symptoms:
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Dry mouth and tongue, with chapped lips,
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Great thirst that’s difficult to quench,
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A state of constant drowsiness,
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Unusual paleness,
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Sunken and dark eyes,
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Fever,
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Breathing that is too fast,
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Diapers that remain dry,
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Sunken fontanelle,
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Skin fold that doesn’t smooth out when you pinch it,
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Baby who is losing weight.
3 main causes of dehydration in infants
While not exhaustive, here is a list of the most common situations that can lead to dehydration and once again show the importance of water for babies.
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Gastrointestinal illnesses, diarrhea, and vomiting can cause rapid fluid loss and dehydration.
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High or prolonged fever, due to accompanying excessive sweating, can drastically increase water needs in the infant’s fragile body.
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Very hot weather, a heatwave, can raise babies’ body temperature and at the same time increase the risk of dehydration.
IF IT’S TOO HOT, don’t hesitate to offer one extra bottle each day or nurse more frequently if your child is breastfed. After 6 months, offer small sips of water regularly throughout the day, and if appropriate, add some fresh, water-rich fruits and vegetables to your baby’s meals. Stay in the shade and as cool as possible, choose lightweight cotton clothing, and watch for any signs of discomfort or dehydration in your child.
Hydrating your baby also happens during meals
In the spring and summer, to hydrate a baby who’s started solids, think about seasonal fruits and vegetables! Especially helpful while your child is getting used to water: melons, watermelon, as well as cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, or strawberries provide extra hydration along with nutrients (and great flavors), which is always a good thing.
Add them in small, ripe pieces or well-cooked, as an appetizer or dessert in your baby’s meals—they make delicious recipe ideas you won’t want to miss.
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