It's important to keep babies hydrated. But their needs change as they grow.
0 to 6 months
Breastfed babies get all the nourishment and hydration they need from your milk. They do not need any other drinks.
Breastfed babies do not need additional water, even in hot weather or when travelling to hotter countries.
If you are feeding your baby formula, first infant formula gives them the nourishment and hydration they need until age 1. But they can have cooled boiled water from 6 months.
Do not give your 0 to 6 month old baby:
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fruit juice or squash (even if diluted or no added sugar)
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cows' milk
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added sugar, rusks or baby rice in their bottle
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tea or coffee
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medicines added to their bottle
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herbal extracts
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honey
6 to 12 months
From about 6 months, gradually introduce a cup or free-flow beaker for drinks.
Milk
Continue to use breast milk or first infant formula as the main drink until 12 months. Do not switch to follow-on formula. This is not needed or recommended.
You can use fresh or frozen breast milk from 6 months onwards to prepare weaning foods.
Do not give pasteurised whole cows' milk as your child's main milk drink until they are age 1.
Cooled boiled water
Offer your baby cooled boiled water in a cup at meals or snack times.
You can keep boiled water in the fridge for up to 3 days, or at room temperature for 24 hours (if kept out of direct sunlight).
Avoid using bottled water labelled as ‘natural mineral water’. This is because it can have higher levels of sodium and other minerals.
Drinks to avoid from 6 to 12 months
Do not give your baby the following drinks from 6 to 12 months.
Fruit juices
Your baby does not need fruit juice or squash. They contain sugar and can damage developing teeth if they are used often or given from a bottle.
Fizzy drinks
Do not give your baby fizzy drinks. They have a lot of sugar and acid, which are harmful to teeth. Fizzy drinks also fill up your baby’s small tummy so they may not want to eat their meals.
Tea and coffee
Tea and coffee are not suitable for babies. This includes herbal, caffeinated and decaffeinated tea or coffee. They may contain substances that interfere with your baby's growth and development.
Plant-based drinks
Plant-based drinks are not suitable as a main drink for babies under 12 months. They are low in protein, energy, and essential nutrients like calcium and iodine.
Do not give rice milk to young children as it may contain traces of arsenic.
Follow-on formulas
Follow-on formulas are not needed or recommended for babies.
From 12 months
Try to replace all bottles with a cup or beaker by the time your baby is age 12 months. From this time, your child should use a cup for all drinks other than breastfeeds.
