Babies can start drinking tap water in small amounts once they are about 6 months old, when they begin eating solid foods. However, for babies under 6 months, it is recommended to avoid giving water altogether, as their stomachs and kidneys are still immature and breast milk or formula provides all the hydration and nutrients they need. For babies under 12 months, tap water should be boiled and cooled before giving it to them to ensure safety. After 12 months, it is generally safe to give them tap water without boiling, depending on your local water quality. In hot weather, babies under 6 months should be offered more frequent breastfeeds or formula feeds rather than water. For babies over 6 months, small amounts of water are appropriate alongside breast milk or formula but should not replace these primary sources of nutrition. In summary:
- Under 6 months: Only breast milk or formula; no water recommended.
- From 6 months: Can offer small amounts of boiled and cooled tap water alongside milk.
- After 12 months: Tap water can be given without boiling if local water quality is good.
These guidelines may vary slightly depending on where you live and the quality of the tap water, so it's good to check local health recommendations. In areas with unsafe tap water, boiling is particularly important before giving water to babies.
