Baby or Toddler Refusing to Drink Water
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to baby or toddler refusing to drink water, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Babies under 6 months should not have water at all - breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need. After 6 months, small sips of water with meals can be introduced, but milk remains the primary fluid. Many toddlers prefer milk or juice over plain water, which is normal. Offering water in fun cups, adding fruit slices for flavor, and modeling water drinking yourself can help. Most toddlers get adequate hydration from milk and water-rich foods even if they do not drink much plain water.
Key takeaways
- Babies under 6 months should not have water at all - breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need. After 6 months, small sips of water with meals can be introduced, but milk remains the primary fluid. Many toddlers prefer milk or juice over plain water, which is normal. Offering water in fun cups, adding fruit slices for flavor, and modeling water drinking yourself can help. Most toddlers get adequate hydration from milk and water-rich foods even if they do not drink much plain water.
- Usually normal when: A baby under 6 months not drinking any water (they should not be given water)
- Call your doctor if: Your child shows signs of dehydration: no tears, dry mouth, sunken eyes, no wet diapers for 6+ hours
- 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.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, babies under 6 months should not have water at all - breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need. After 6 months, small sips of water with meals can be introduced, but milk remains the primary fluid. Many toddlers prefer milk or juice over plain water, which is normal. Offering water in fun cups, adding fruit slices for flavor, and modeling water drinking yourself can help. Most toddlers get adequate hydration from milk and water-rich foods even if they do not drink much plain water. At 0-6 months, do not give water to babies under 6 months. Their kidneys cannot handle extra water, and it can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances (water intoxication). Breast milk and formula are 80-90% water and provide complete hydration. Even in hot weather, extra breast milk or formula feeds are the right approach, not water. It is generally considered normal when a baby under 6 months not drinking any water (they should not be given water). However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child shows signs of dehydration: no tears, dry mouth, sunken eyes, no wet diapers for 6+ hours.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Do not give water to babies under 6 months. Their kidneys cannot handle extra water, and it can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances (water intoxication). Breast milk and formula are 80-90% water and provide complete hydration. Even in hot weather, extra breast milk or formula feeds are the right approach, not water.
6-12 months
Once solids begin, offer small sips of water (2-4 oz per day) in an open cup or straw cup with meals. Your baby may reject it at first, which is fine - they are still getting most hydration from breast milk or formula. Do not add sweeteners or juice to make water more appealing. Let them practice with water during mealtimes without pressure.
1-3 years
Toddlers should drink about 1-4 cups of water daily depending on activity level and climate. Many toddlers prefer milk. Limit milk to 16-24 oz per day and juice to 4 oz or less to leave room for water. Try offering water before milk at meals, using fun cups or straws, and keeping water accessible throughout the day. Water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges also contribute to hydration.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby or toddler refusing to drink water and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your toddler drinks very little fluid of any kind (milk or water).
- Mention if your toddler's urine is consistently dark yellow.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A baby under 6 months not drinking any water (they should not be given water)
- A toddler preferring milk over water
- A toddler drinking small amounts of water throughout the day rather than large cups
- Fluctuating water intake day to day based on activity and weather
- Your toddler drinks very little fluid of any kind (milk or water)
- Your toddler's urine is consistently dark yellow
- Your child has persistent constipation that may be related to low fluid intake
- Your toddler only wants juice or sweetened drinks and refuses all water and milk
- Your child shows signs of dehydration: no tears, dry mouth, sunken eyes, no wet diapers for 6+ hours
- Your child is refusing all fluids during an illness
- Your child is drinking excessively large amounts of water (possible diabetes sign)
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby or toddler refusing to drink water — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a baby under 6 months not drinking any water (they should not be given water) — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child shows signs of dehydration: no tears, dry mouth, sunken eyes, no wet diapers for 6+ hours.
Related Conditions
Is My Baby Dehydrated?
Dehydration in babies happens when they lose more fluids than they take in, usually from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or inadequate feeding. Key signs include fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, a dry mouth, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), and unusual drowsiness. Mild dehydration can often be managed at home with extra fluids, but moderate to severe dehydration requires prompt medical attention.
When Can Babies Drink Water Safely
Babies under 6 months should NOT be given water. Breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need, even in hot weather. Giving water to a young baby can cause water intoxication, a dangerous condition where sodium levels drop to dangerous levels, potentially causing seizures. After 6 months, when solids begin, small sips of water (2-4 oz per day) can be offered in a cup. By 12 months, water becomes a regular part of the diet alongside whole milk.
Toddler Only Wanting to Drink Milk
While milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, too much milk can actually be harmful for toddlers. When a toddler fills up on milk, they have little appetite left for the iron-rich foods and variety they need. Excessive milk intake (more than 24 ounces per day) is one of the most common causes of iron-deficiency anemia in toddlers. The good news is that with some simple adjustments to when and how much milk is offered, most toddlers begin eating more solid foods.
Baby Constipation
Constipation in babies is defined by hard, dry, difficult-to-pass stools rather than by how often your baby poops. Breastfed babies can go several days without a bowel movement and still be perfectly normal. If your baby is passing soft stools comfortably, even if infrequently, they are likely not constipated.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
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 or toddler refusing to drink water normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby or toddler refusing to drink water?
When is baby or toddler refusing to drink water normal?
What causes baby or toddler refusing to drink water?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby or toddler refusing to drink water?
Is baby or toddler refusing to drink water normal at 0-6 months?
Is baby or toddler refusing to drink water normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby or toddler refusing to drink water?
Does baby or toddler refusing to drink water go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby or Toddler Refusing to Drink Water.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby or toddler refusing to drink water and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your toddler drinks very little fluid of any kind (milk or water).
- Mention if your toddler's urine is consistently dark yellow.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your toddler drinks very little fluid of any kind (milk or water)
- Your toddler's urine is consistently dark yellow
- Your child has persistent constipation that may be related to low fluid intake
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child shows signs of dehydration: no tears, dry mouth, sunken eyes, no wet diapers for 6+ hours
- Your child is refusing all fluids during an illness
- Your child is drinking excessively large amounts of water (possible diabetes sign)
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby or toddler refusing to drink water are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child shows signs of dehydration: no tears, dry mouth, sunken eyes, no wet diapers for 6+ hours.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Feeding Concerns
Is My Baby Dehydrated?
Dehydration in babies happens when they lose more fluids than they take in, usually from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or inadequate feeding. Key signs include fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying, a dry mouth, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), and unusual drowsiness. Mild dehydration can often be managed at home with extra fluids, but moderate to severe dehydration requires prompt medical attention.
When Can Babies Drink Water Safely
Babies under 6 months should NOT be given water. Breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need, even in hot weather. Giving water to a young baby can cause water intoxication, a dangerous condition where sodium levels drop to dangerous levels, potentially causing seizures. After 6 months, when solids begin, small sips of water (2-4 oz per day) can be offered in a cup. By 12 months, water becomes a regular part of the diet alongside whole milk.
Toddler Only Wanting to Drink Milk
While milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, too much milk can actually be harmful for toddlers. When a toddler fills up on milk, they have little appetite left for the iron-rich foods and variety they need. Excessive milk intake (more than 24 ounces per day) is one of the most common causes of iron-deficiency anemia in toddlers. The good news is that with some simple adjustments to when and how much milk is offered, most toddlers begin eating more solid foods.
Baby Constipation
Constipation in babies is defined by hard, dry, difficult-to-pass stools rather than by how often your baby poops. Breastfed babies can go several days without a bowel movement and still be perfectly normal. If your baby is passing soft stools comfortably, even if infrequently, they are likely not constipated.
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.