Too Soon for Sips? Why Newborns Shouldn’t Be Given Water

Welcoming a newborn into the world is one of life’s most beautiful moments. As parents, it’s only natural to want to give your baby everything they need to grow strong and healthy. In that spirit, many caregivers wonder if water, so essential to human life, should also be part of a newborn’s routine.

The short and reassuring answer from pediatricians worldwide is: your baby already has everything they need in breast milk or formula. Adding water too early, especially within the first six months, can do more harm than good.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), babies under six months should receive only breast milk or formula, no additional fluids, including water. Here’s why:

A newborn’s kidneys are still developing. They are not capable of handling excess water, which can lead to a condition called water intoxication. This can disturb the delicate balance of sodium in the baby’s bloodstream, causing swelling in the brain, seizures, and in extreme cases, coma.

Medical Note: A study published in Pediatrics (2003) confirmed cases of hyponatremia (low sodium levels) in infants who were given water in hot climates due to misinformed cultural practices. The researchers emphasized that even small amounts can be dangerous.

Breast milk and formula are perfectly balanced with nutrients and calories. Introducing water may fill your baby’s tiny stomach and reduce their appetite, leading to insufficient calorie and nutrient intake. This can hinder weight gain and growth.

Dr. Anita Sharma, a pediatrician in Mumbai, shares:

“I once consulted for a three-month-old who was consistently underweight. The mother was giving boiled water between feeds, thinking it would help in summer. Once we stopped that, the baby’s feeding improved, and so did the growth chart.”

Even if the water is boiled or filtered, there is always a risk of contamination. The tiniest exposure to bacteria or viruses can overwhelm a newborn’s underdeveloped immune system.

Understanding the origin of these myths helps address them more gently, especially in families where traditional beliefs play a strong role.

Fact: Breast milk is 88% water and adapts to the baby’s needs, including hydration in hot weather. Babies don’t sweat or lose fluids the way adults do.

Real Parent Story:

“I live in Rajasthan, where it gets extremely hot. My mother-in-law insisted that my 2-month-old needed water to stay cool. After speaking to our pediatrician, I started nursing more frequently instead. It kept my baby hydrated, and we avoided unnecessary risks.” – Anonymous mother

Fact: In breastfed infants, constipation is rare. What seems like infrequent stools is often completely normal. If formula-fed babies experience constipation, it’s usually managed by adjusting the formula or feeding techniques, not by giving water.

Fact: These are often provided with the intention to soothe gas or colic, but they can contain unsafe ingredients or introduce allergens. They also displace real nutrition. Always consult a doctor before giving any such product.

The right time to introduce water is after 6 months, once your baby starts solids.

At this stage:

The amount of water given is minimal—just enough to help with swallowing solids and to get the baby used to a cup.

Many pediatricians globally agree that one of the most common misconceptions they face is related to water intake in young babies.

Dr. Rachel Davis, pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital, notes in a case series (PubMed ID: 12671185):

“We documented several instances of water intoxication in infants during heat waves. Parents thought they were helping. Education and awareness made all the difference in preventing further cases.”

Dr. Neha Gupta, a Delhi-based pediatrician, adds:

“We need to support families with compassionate education. Telling a parent ‘don’t do this’ without explaining the science can create resistance. We show them how breast milk composition changes even during a single feed to meet hydration needs.”

In many cultures, offering water or honey is considered a traditional welcome gesture for newborns. While the intention is always loving, it’s important to recognize that modern science now gives us a clearer picture of what babies truly need.

Tip: If you’re navigating intergenerational advice, involve your pediatrician in family discussions. A trusted voice with medical backing can often bridge the gap between tradition and safety.

Your newborn doesn’t need water to thrive, just your love, warmth, and milk or formula. Science is reassuringly clear on this. Far from denying your baby something essential, you’re protecting them from unnecessary risks by holding off on water until the right time.

Each choice you make as a parent is an act of care. And when it comes to your baby’s first months, sometimes the best thing to do is beautifully simple: feed, cuddle, and trust the incredible design of your baby’s body and needs.