Sodium and Salt Intake for Babies
Content reviewed against published AAP, WHO, CDC guidelines
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Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to sodium and salt intake for babies, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Babies under 12 months should consume less than 400 mg of sodium per day (less than 1 gram of salt), and toddlers aged 1-3 should have no more than 800 mg of sodium per day. Babies' immature kidneys cannot process excess sodium efficiently. Breast milk and formula provide the right amount of sodium for infants. When introducing solids, do not add salt to baby food and be cautious with processed foods, which often contain high sodium levels.
Key takeaways
- Babies under 12 months should consume less than 400 mg of sodium per day (less than 1 gram of salt), and toddlers aged 1-3 should have no more than 800 mg of sodium per day. Babies' immature kidneys cannot process excess sodium efficiently. Breast milk and formula provide the right amount of sodium for infants. When introducing solids, do not add salt to baby food and be cautious with processed foods, which often contain high sodium levels.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is exclusively breastfed or formula-fed and receiving no additional sodium
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has accidentally consumed a large amount of salt (such as eating salt directly or drinking very salty water) and is showing signs of irritability, vomiting, or 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
Breast milk contains about 160 mg of sodium per liter, which is the perfect amount for newborns. Infant formula is carefully formulated to match this level. No additional sodium is needed or safe at this age. A baby's kidneys are still immature and cannot efficiently excrete excess sodium, making overconsumption potentially dangerous.
3-6 months
Continue exclusive breastfeeding or formula-feeding. The sodium content in breast milk and formula remains adequate. Never add salt, soy sauce, or other high-sodium seasonings to anything given to an infant. If complementary feeding begins around 4-6 months under pediatric guidance, foods should be unseasoned.
6-12 months
As solids are introduced, babies begin consuming some sodium from foods naturally. The adequate intake for infants 7-12 months is 370 mg of sodium per day. Avoid adding salt to homemade baby food and read labels on commercial baby foods. Be cautious with bread (which can be surprisingly high in sodium), cheese, and processed meats. Offer fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables (without added sauces) as primary foods.
12 months+
Toddlers aged 1-3 should consume no more than 800 mg of sodium per day, but many toddler diets far exceed this. Common high-sodium culprits include deli meats, hot dogs, canned soups, cheese, crackers, and restaurant foods. When cooking for the family, season adult portions separately and keep toddler portions unsalted or lightly salted. Gradually exposing your toddler to a variety of flavors using herbs and spices rather than salt helps establish healthier long-term preferences.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is exclusively breastfed or formula-fed and receiving no additional sodium
- Your baby eats homemade foods prepared without added salt and a few low-sodium commercial baby foods
- Your toddler occasionally eats foods with moderate sodium content as part of a varied diet
- Your toddler drinks plain water and milk rather than salted or flavored beverages
- Your toddler's diet consists largely of processed or packaged foods and you are concerned about sodium intake
- Your baby or toddler seems excessively thirsty, which could indicate high sodium intake or other conditions
- You are unsure how to read nutrition labels for sodium content in baby and toddler foods
- Your baby has accidentally consumed a large amount of salt (such as eating salt directly or drinking very salty water) and is showing signs of irritability, vomiting, or lethargy
- Your baby or toddler has significant swelling (edema), reduced urine output, or extreme thirst following high sodium intake
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Sodium and Salt Intake for Babies.
Things to mention
- Your toddler's diet consists largely of processed or packaged foods and you are concerned about sodium intake
- Your baby or toddler seems excessively thirsty, which could indicate high sodium intake or other conditions
- You are unsure how to read nutrition labels for sodium content in baby and toddler foods
Observations to share
- Your toddler's diet consists largely of processed or packaged foods and you are concerned about sodium intake
- Your baby or toddler seems excessively thirsty, which could indicate high sodium intake or other conditions
- You are unsure how to read nutrition labels for sodium content in baby and toddler foods
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has accidentally consumed a large amount of salt (such as eating salt directly or drinking very salty water) and is showing signs of irritability, vomiting, or lethargy
- Your baby or toddler has significant swelling (edema), reduced urine output, or extreme thirst following high sodium intake
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 sodium and salt intake for babies normal?
When should I call the doctor about sodium and salt intake for babies?
When is sodium and salt intake for babies normal?
What causes sodium and salt intake for babies?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about sodium and salt intake for babies?
Is sodium and salt intake for babies normal at 0-3 months?
Is sodium and salt intake for babies normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for sodium and salt intake for babies?
Does sodium and salt intake for babies go away on its own?
References
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 sodium and salt intake for babies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has accidentally consumed a large amount of salt (such as eating salt directly or drinking very salty water) and is showing signs of irritability, vomiting, or 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.
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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.