Can my newborn drink water?
Breast milk or formula is usually all a young baby needs to drink. Advice about water in hot weather differs between countries.
The short answer
NHS guidance in the UK says fully breastfed babies don’t need extra water before solid foods and describes a hot weather exception for formula fed babies under six months. American Academy of Pediatrics guidance says babies under six months shouldn’t have extra water unless their pediatrician advises it. Ask a doctor which local guidance applies to your baby.
Breast milk or formula is usually enough
The NHS says breast milk is the only food or drink fully breastfed babies need during their first six months. In hot weather, they may want to breastfeed more often. Don’t use a general online article to change your baby’s feeding plan.
The NHS drinks page describes a specific exception for formula fed babies under six months: small sips of cooled, boiled water during hot weather in addition to usual milk feeds. In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics says babies under six months shouldn’t have extra water unless their pediatrician specifically advises it. Ask your local care team which guidance applies to your baby.
Do not change formula instructions
Water used to mix formula is different from offering water as a drink. Prepare formula exactly as its label and local public health guidance direct. Never add extra water to a feed or make formula weaker. The CDC explains that changing the proportions can make formula nutritionally unsuitable or unsafe.
When your baby starts solid foods at around six months, NHS guidance says you can offer sips of water with meals from a cup or beaker. Needs and recommendations can vary by country, so check your local health service if you live outside the UK.
Ask for advice about illness or heat
If your baby is unwell, has fewer wet nappies than expected or you’re worried about dehydration, contact your care team. Follow their instructions instead of adding water on your own. A baby’s age, feeding method and health all matter.
A feed log can show when milk was offered. It can’t tell you how much extra fluid your baby needs. BabyDays doesn’t set feeding or hydration plans.
Sources and further reading
- NHS guidance on drinks for babies and young children
- NHS guidance on drinks from around six months
- CDC infant formula preparation and storage
- American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on preparing formula with water
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.