Question

Do breastfed babies need water? Is the water content in breast milk sufficient to meet their needs?

Answer

Generally speaking, babies under four months old who have not yet started solid foods do not need additional water. However, this does not mean that it is completely unnecessary to give them water. It is beneficial and harmless for babies to take in some amount of water. Here are the recommended water intake amounts for different age groups:

  • Second week of birth: 30 milliliters
  • Third week: 45 milliliters
  • One month later: 50 to 60 milliliters
  • Three months: 60 to 75 milliliters
  • Four months: 70 to 80 milliliters
  • Six months: 80 to 100 milliliters
  • Eight to twelve months: 100 to 120 milliliters The amount of water given each time should be about half of the milk volume. In hot summer days, babies should increase their water intake appropriately. When babies have a fever, high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea leading to dehydration, they should be given water more frequently.