Plain Water for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve plain water to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Plain Water in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Plain Water to a 6–9 Months Old
Serving Instructions
Once your baby starts solids around 6 months, you can offer 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) of water per day. Serve it in an open cup or a straw cup with meals. The primary purpose at this age is not hydration—which should still come from breast milk or formula—but to help them practice drinking skills and wash down food. Offering water with iron-rich foods like pureed meats or fortified cereals can also aid in digestion. Do not replace a milk feeding with water. Encourage self-feeding by letting them hold the cup with your guidance to develop their fine motor skills.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Plain Water to a 9–18 Months Old
Serving Instructions
At this stage, you can increase water intake to about 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) with meals and snacks. As solid food consumption increases, water becomes more important for preventing constipation. Serve water in an open cup to encourage sipping rather than gulping. You can pair it with any meal, but it is especially helpful alongside fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans. Continue to prioritize breast milk or formula for primary nutrition and hydration between meals. Encourage your child to hold the cup independently to foster self-feeding skills and confidence during mealtimes.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Plain Water to a 18+ Months Old
Serving Instructions
For toddlers, water can be offered freely throughout the day. Aim for around 4-5 cups (32-40 oz; 1-1.2 liters) daily, adjusting for activity and climate. Serve water with all meals and snacks to establish it as the primary beverage for hydration, alongside their regular milk intake. Using a dedicated, accessible water bottle can encourage independence and consistent sipping. Pairing water with fiber-rich foods like whole grains and vegetables will help prevent constipation and support digestive health. Encourage self-service from a small, manageable pitcher to build practical life skills and promote autonomy in their hydration habits.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Important Safety Disclaimer
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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