How Much Water Should A Baby Drink?

The child’s body is made up of about 80% water, while in adults, this proportion is only 65%. Children therefore need more fluids than adults.

Water, a major component of baby’s body
A child’s body is made up of 80% water. In an adult, this composition is 65%. This means that water is a vital substance for humans, regardless of their age, but that it is essential for toddlers. The first weeks of life, during which the mother exclusively breastfeeds, no water supplementation is required. The only situations where more water is needed are those that cause rapid dehydration: fever, heat, diarrhea. Breast milk already contains a large amount of water.

Water is a vital element since it transports waste products out of the body. Hydration also contributes to good blood circulation and keeps the organs functioning properly.

Water to use for baby bottles
To prepare formula, certain types of water are preferable. Mineral water with low mineralization is preferred. Check that the dry residue does not exceed 140mg / L because the powder for the milk preparation already provides a large number of minerals. To recognize the right mineral water for your child, check that the label says “suitable for infant feeding”.

If you do not have mineral water on hand, be aware that tap water can be used to prepare bottles, but only if you wait for a few minutes. Residues in the piping could be harmful to the health of your little one. Likewise, it is safer to bring the water to a boil when preparing a baby bottle or a drink for a child. The water should not contain excess nitrates, signs of pollution of the region’s water table.

When to start giving baby water
Adding water to a baby’s diet is essential after weaning or from dietary diversification. The amount of water to be given is to be divided during the day.

• At birth, the baby needs 250 to 300mL / day.
• At 10 days of life, his daily water ration should go up to 500mL.
• At the age of 3 months, a baby’s water needs will be 800mL / day.
• At the age of 6 months, the child needs 1000mL of water per day.
• At 9 months, this need is around 1200mL / day.
• At 1 year, the child needs about 1300mL / day.
• From 2 years old, you should get your child used to drinking water during the day.

The temperature doesn’t matter. Water at room temperature quenches your thirst better, but in cool weather, slightly warm water will calm your child.

In the following table, we explain the daily amounts of fluid needed by newborns and infants according to their age.