Safe Boiled Water for Infants (10 mins)
- Bring filtered drinking water to a rolling boil for 2–3 minutes
- Allow to cool naturally to room temperature covered with a clean lid
- Offer 1–2 sips from a small steel katori or open cup after solid meal
Can my baby eat drinking water?
Reviewed by Dr Abhas Gupta, MBBS, MD, DNB (Paediatrics), PDCC (Paediatric Rheumatology) • About Dr Abhas Gupta (Bio) • Last reviewed: 16 October 2026
The short answer
Drinking water is safe and recommended for babies starting from 6 months of age (180 days) when starting solids.
How to serve at each age
- 6 Months: Boiled and cooled water: 2 to 3 sips (30–60 ml per day) offered in an open cup with meals
- 7 to 8 Months: 60 to 120 ml per day after solid meals
- 9 to 11 Months: 120 to 180 ml per day across daytime meals from a small open cup or straw cup
- 12+ Months: Freely offered water throughout the day (around 250–500 ml)
Safety & choking prevention
- Water is not needed before 6 months and, in large amounts, can lower blood sodium.
Allergy notes
Non-allergenic.
Nutritional benefits
- Aids digestion of newly introduced solid foods
- Supports kidney transit of solid food waste
- Helps prevent constipation during complementary weaning