Baby or Toddler Refusing to Drink Water
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.
By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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 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)
Sources
Related Resources
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.