Baby Not Drinking Enough Water
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, WHO guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to baby not drinking enough water, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Babies under 6 months do not need water at all because breast milk and formula provide all the hydration they need. In fact, giving water to young infants can be dangerous as it can cause electrolyte imbalances. After 6 months, small sips of water (2-4 ounces per day) can be introduced with meals as solids are started. By 12 months, toddlers should drink about 1-4 cups of water daily alongside their milk intake.
Key takeaways
- Babies under 6 months do not need water at all because breast milk and formula provide all the hydration they need. In fact, giving water to young infants can be dangerous as it can cause electrolyte imbalances. After 6 months, small sips of water (2-4 ounces per day) can be introduced with meals as solids are started. By 12 months, toddlers should drink about 1-4 cups of water daily alongside their milk intake.
- Usually normal when: Your baby under 6 months does not drink water and is well-hydrated from breast milk or formula with 6-8 wet diapers per day
- Call your doctor if: Your baby or toddler has signs of dehydration: no tears when crying, dry mouth and lips, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), very dark urine, no wet diaper for 6-8 hours, or extreme lethargy
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Do not give water to babies under 6 months. Breast milk is about 88% water, and formula is mixed with the appropriate amount of water. Giving additional water can fill up the baby's small stomach, reducing milk intake and potentially causing weight loss. In rare cases, excessive water intake in young infants can lead to water intoxication (hyponatremia), a dangerous condition where sodium levels drop too low, causing seizures.
3-6 months
Continue to avoid offering water. Even in hot weather, breastfed or formula-fed babies get sufficient hydration from their milk. If you are concerned about dehydration in hot weather, offer more frequent breast or formula feeds instead of water. Signs of adequate hydration include 6-8 wet diapers per day, moist mouth and lips, and tears when crying.
6-12 months
When complementary foods are introduced around 6 months, you can begin offering small amounts of water in an open cup or straw cup during meals. About 2-4 ounces (60-120 mL) per day is typically sufficient at this stage, as breast milk or formula remains the primary source of hydration. Use plain water without fluoride drops unless recommended by your pediatrician in an area without fluoridated water. The goal is to familiarize your baby with drinking water, not to replace milk feeds.
12 months+
As toddlers transition from formula or decrease breastfeeding, water becomes an increasingly important source of hydration. Aim for approximately 1-4 cups (8-32 ounces) of water per day in addition to 16-24 ounces of whole milk. Offer water throughout the day, especially during and between meals, after physical activity, and in hot weather. If your toddler resists plain water, try an open cup, a straw cup, or adding a splash of fruit for subtle flavor. Avoid water substitutes like juice or sweetened drinks.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby under 6 months does not drink water and is well-hydrated from breast milk or formula with 6-8 wet diapers per day
- Your baby over 6 months drinks small sips of water with meals but still relies primarily on breast milk or formula for hydration
- Your toddler prefers milk or water over other beverages and has consistent wet diapers or urination throughout the day
- Your baby or toddler has clear to light yellow urine, moist lips, and tears when crying
- Your toddler refuses to drink any water and you are relying solely on milk for hydration
- Your baby or toddler seems to have decreased urine output, fewer than 4-6 wet diapers per day
- You live in a hot climate and are concerned about whether your baby is getting enough fluids
- Your baby or toddler has signs of dehydration: no tears when crying, dry mouth and lips, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), very dark urine, no wet diaper for 6-8 hours, or extreme lethargy
- Your young infant (under 6 months) has accidentally consumed a large amount of water and shows symptoms like swelling, irritability, drowsiness, or seizures (possible water intoxication)
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Not Drinking Enough Water.
Things to mention
- Your toddler refuses to drink any water and you are relying solely on milk for hydration
- Your baby or toddler seems to have decreased urine output, fewer than 4-6 wet diapers per day
- You live in a hot climate and are concerned about whether your baby is getting enough fluids
Observations to share
- Your toddler refuses to drink any water and you are relying solely on milk for hydration
- Your baby or toddler seems to have decreased urine output, fewer than 4-6 wet diapers per day
- You live in a hot climate and are concerned about whether your baby is getting enough fluids
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby or toddler has signs of dehydration: no tears when crying, dry mouth and lips, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), very dark urine, no wet diaper for 6-8 hours, or extreme lethargy
- Your young infant (under 6 months) has accidentally consumed a large amount of water and shows symptoms like swelling, irritability, drowsiness, or seizures (possible water intoxication)
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Resources
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby not drinking enough water normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby not drinking enough water?
When is baby not drinking enough water normal?
What causes baby not drinking enough water?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby not drinking enough water?
Is baby not drinking enough water normal at 0-3 months?
Is baby not drinking enough water normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby not drinking enough water?
Does baby not drinking enough water go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Water and Juice. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water and Healthier Drinks for Infants and Toddlers. CDC
- [3]World Health Organization. Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. WHO
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby not drinking enough water are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby or toddler has signs of dehydration: no tears when crying, dry mouth and lips, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), very dark urine, no wet diaper for 6-8 hours, or extreme lethargy.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Feeding Concerns
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.
Could My Baby Be Aspirating During Feeding?
Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Signs include coughing or choking during every feed, a wet or gurgly voice after eating, recurrent chest infections, and breathing changes during meals. Silent aspiration can occur without obvious coughing. If you suspect aspiration, contact your pediatrician as a swallowing study can diagnose it.
Baby Biting Nipple While Nursing
Biting during breastfeeding is a common challenge, especially when babies start teething. It can be startling and painful, but it is almost always a phase that can be managed. Babies cannot actively nurse and bite at the same time because their tongue covers the lower teeth during proper sucking. Biting typically happens at the beginning or end of a feed when the latch is not active. With some gentle strategies, most babies learn quickly that biting ends the feeding session.
My Baby Keeps Clamping Down on the Spoon
Clamping down on the spoon is very common, especially during teething or when babies are learning new oral motor skills. It is often a sensory exploration behavior rather than a feeding problem. Using a soft silicone spoon and placing food on the front of the spoon can help.