If you’re using the water to make up formula, only cool it to around 70 degrees Celsius before mixing in the powder.Īfter this, leave it to cool further until it’s ready to drink. Then, set it aside to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it. To sterilise tap water, bring cold water to a boil for a minute or so. Tap water in the UK is safe for children and babies to drink, but you will need to boil it if your baby is under 6 months of age – for example, before using it to make up a bottle of formula.Īfter the age of 6 months it’s fine to give your child water from the tap without sterilising it. How Much Fluid Does Your Child Need in a Day? Your baby, toddler or older child may need to drink more in hot weather. In the table below you’ll find the recommended daily amounts of fluids per day according to age. How Much Fluid Does Your Child Need Per Day? ![]() Rice drinks aren’t suitable for children under 5 years old, because they can contain too high a levels of arsenic for young children. Milk alternatives include soya, oat and almond milks. If your baby has a lactose intolerance or a food allergy, or isn’t consuming dairy products for any other reason, calcium-fortified milk alternatives can be given instead from the age of 1. Keep in mind that semi-skimmed milk isn’t suitable for children until they’re at least 2 years old and growing normally – check with your health visitor or doctor before switching to reduced-fat milk. However, the breast milk won’t be your child’s main source of nutrients any longer.Īs well as water, your 1-year-old should also drink at least 350 millilitres of whole cow’s milk a day – or at least 2 servings of dairy products like yoghurt or cheese – because of the calcium and other important minerals and vitamins it contains. Of course, it’s fine to keep breastfeeding as well, for as long as you like if your baby still wants to and it fits in with your lifestyle. This means water can now be one of your child’s main drinks – in fact it’s the best thing to offer your toddler when thirsty, as it doesn’t harm teeth and won’t spoil his or her appetite. Over 12 MonthsĪfter the age of 12 months your baby will be drinking to quench his or her thirst, with most nutrients coming from food.īetween the ages of 1 and 4 years old – to avoid the risk of dehydration – children need to drink around 900 millilitres to 1 litre (6-7 cups) of fluid a day – that’s in addition to the fluid they get from foods like soup, fruit, vegetables and yoghurt. As the proportion of solid foods increases, your baby will gradually need less and less milk for nourishment – and more water (or other extra fluids) to stay hydrated. Water still isn’t the main drink just yet.Īt first, your infant is just getting used to water and drinking from a cup. A free-flow cup is also better for your baby’s teeth.ĭuring this stage of weaning, your child still gets most of his or her nutrients and fluids from breast milk or formula. ![]() A cup with an anti-spill valve could encourage your child to suck instead of learning how to sip. When you give your baby water it’s best to use a regular (non-breakable) open cup or free-flow cup without a valve. When you start the process of weaning – that is, gradually introducing solid foods to your baby’s diet – you can also start to give your baby sips of water with meals. 0-6 Monthsįor the first six months (until your baby starts eating solid foods) your child should get all his or her fluids from breast milk or formula.įormula-fed babies may need water as part of their formula depending on the type of formula being given. Here’s a rough guide to how much water your baby should drink during each stage of the weaning process. This is a gradual process, so introducing water is gradual too. ![]() ![]() Your little one only starts needing water once you start introducing solid foods to his or her diet. Keep in mind that when your baby wakes in the night he or she will probably be hungry too, so offer formula first and then a little water.Īlways speak to your health visitor or doctor if you’re in any doubt or if you think your baby might be in danger of becoming dehydrated. In this case, though, only offer small quantities of water after your baby’s regular feeds to ensure he or she is well-fed and hydrated. The same applies if you’re feeding your baby partly or exclusively with formula, although formula-fed babies can be given a little boiled water that’s then been re-cooled in hot weather.
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