When Can Babies Drink Water? A Parent’s Guide

As new parents in Singapore, one of the many questions you’ll face is: when can babies start drinking water? It’s a common concern, especially when it comes to ensuring your little one is properly hydrated. In this blog, we will answer that question, explore the best practices for introducing water to your baby, and highlight the importance of clean, safe water. After all, ensuring the health and well-being of your baby is every parent’s top priority, and understanding hydration is a crucial part of that.

When it comes to babies and water, there is a general rule parents often follow. Water, in its purest form, is not recommended for babies under six months of age. Before this stage, babies get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. These liquids not only provide essential hydration but also offer the nutrients that babies need to grow and thrive.

In the first six months of life, your baby’s body is adjusting to the outside world. They have very small stomachs, which means their nutrient requirements are met almost entirely through breast milk or infant formula. These fluids contain all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes for your baby’s health.

Breast milk, in particular, provides the perfect balance of hydration and nutrition, including a special component known as colostrum , which boosts your baby’s immune system. Because of these nutrients, giving your baby water during the first six months isn’t just unnecessary—it can also be dangerous. Introducing water too early can interfere with your baby’s ability to absorb the nutrients in breast milk or formula.

Babies’ kidneys are still developing in the first few months of life. Their ability to process and eliminate excess water is limited. Drinking too much water can cause a condition known as water intoxication, which dilutes the levels of sodium in the baby’s body. This can lead to serious health issues, including seizures, brain swelling, and even death in extreme cases. Therefore, it’s essential to wait until your baby is ready to safely drink water.

At around six months, your baby’s diet begins to change. You will likely introduce solid foods, and that’s when it’s appropriate to start offering small amounts of water. By this age, your baby’s digestive system is more mature, and their kidneys are better equipped to handle extra fluids.

Even at this stage, water should only be offered in small amounts—just a few sips at a time. Water should never replace breast milk or formula, as these are still the primary sources of hydration and nutrition. Instead, water at this stage serves as a supplement and a way to introduce your baby to new experiences.

Click here to learn moreabout The Best Water Dispensers in Singapore 2025 .

Here are a few signs that your baby might be ready to start drinking water:

• Sitting up independently: By the time your baby is six months old, they should be able to sit up with minimal support.
• Exploring solids: If your baby has started eating solid foods and shows an interest in drinking from a cup or bottle, they may be ready for water.
• No longer relying solely on milk: By six months, your baby will still rely on breast milk or formula, but small sips of water can be introduced during meal times.

As parents, it’s essential to ensure that the water your baby drinks is pure and free from contaminants. While tap water in Singapore is generally safe to drink, it can still contain traces of chemicals, heavy metals, or other pollutants that are harmful, especially to babies. That’s where Reverse Osmosis (RO) water comes in.

RO water is filtered through a multi-stage process that removes impurities, bacteria, and chemicals, ensuring that the water is as clean and pure as possible. For parents in Singapore, investing in an RO water filtration system ensures that the water your baby drinks is free from harmful substances, providing an extra layer of protection for their health.

Related article: What Is Reverse Osmosis? A Comprehensive Guide

Here are some of the key benefits of using RO water for your baby:

• Purity and Safety: RO water is filtered to remove a wide range of contaminants such as chlorine, lead, fluoride, and bacteria, ensuring the water is safe for your baby to drink.
• Better Taste and Smell: RO water tastes and smells better, making it easier for your baby to drink.
• Peace of Mind: With an RO filtration system, you can have peace of mind knowing that your baby is drinking the cleanest and safest water possible.

When you first introduce water, start slowly. Offer small amounts and see how your baby responds. There’s no rush—your baby will naturally adjust to this new addition to their diet. As with solids, every baby is different, and some may take to drinking water right away, while others might need more time to get used to it.

A great way to introduce water is by offering it during meal times. This helps your baby understand that water is a drink to have with food. Start with a few sips in a sippy cup or a small bottle. Keep the experience positive and enjoyable for your baby.

Remember, even though you are introducing water, breast milk or formula should still be your baby’s primary source of hydration until they are one year old. Don’t replace milk with water; instead, water should be a supplement.

Knowing when and how to introduce water to your baby is an important part of their growth and development. In Singapore, it’s best to wait until your baby is around six months old before offering water. At that point, you can introduce small amounts of water, preferably purified through an RO filtration system , to ensure your baby is getting the cleanest and safest water available.

As a parent, you are responsible for the health and well-being of your little one, and choosing the right hydration practices is a key part of that. Remember, breast milk or formula should always be your baby’s primary source of nutrition and hydration, with water as a supplementary addition when the time is right.