07/08/2026
“How can you say a baby should not drink water for the first 6 months? Won’t the baby be thirsty, especially in this hot weather?” 🤔
I understand why people ask this question. But here is the simple truth:
A healthy baby who is exclusively breastfed does NOT need additional water for the first 6 months—even when the weather is hot. 💧👶🏽
Why?
Breast milk contains plenty of water. It is not just food. It provides the baby with both nutrition and hydration.
When the weather is hot, the baby may want to breastfeed more frequently. That is the body's way of getting more fluid—not a sign that the baby needs water from a bottle or cup.
Giving water to a young baby can also fill their tiny stomach, making them breastfeed less and potentially reducing the amount of breast milk they receive. Too much water can also disturb the delicate balance of salts in a young baby's body.
So when someone says:
“But the baby will be thirsty!”
The answer is:
“Yes, and the baby can satisfy that thirst by breastfeeding.” ❤️
And please remember, exclusive breastfeeding means breast milk only—no water, juice, pap, glucose water or herbal mixtures—unless a healthcare professional has specifically advised otherwise.
Of course, a baby who is unwell, feeding poorly or showing signs of dehydration needs medical assessment. Don't try to treat dehydration in a young baby with plain water.
Breast milk is not only the baby's food. For the first 6 months, it is also the baby's drink. ❤️👶🏽