Introducing fluids when weaning

Guest blog by Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian @childrensdietitian

A variety of questions come up, when parents are first thinking about starting solid foods with their infants. Lucy has written a very helpful frequently asked questions style blog to address all the things you need know!

What fluids should I offer my baby when I start solids?

For babies under 6 months of age offer cooled boiled tap water.

From 6 months of age & over offer water straight from the tap. 

Should I give my baby mineral water?

There is no need to use bottled and/or mineral water as many of these can contain extra salt (sodium/Na), sulphates or other minerals.  If you do need to use bottled water e.g. abroad, label check carefully to ensure the Sodium is under 200milligrams/L & sulphates (SO/SO4) are no higher than 2560mg/L

Can I offer drinks other than water?

At the start of weaning avoid giving fruit juice, smoothies or anything marketed as ‘baby’ juices or teas as these are not required, and can contribute to your baby’s overall energy intake due to the sugars they contain. In turn this can displace vital energy from breastmilk, formula milk and/or food. It will also increase the risk of tooth decay. Tea and coffee are also not suitable for babies.

Cow’s milk is not suitable as a drink for babies 12 months of age but can be used in cooking or mixed with food e.g. cereal. After 12 months you may wish to offer your baby full fat cow’s milk from a cup in place of formula milk. If you are breastfeeding you can continue and your baby does not require another source of milk.

When should I start offering water?

If you introduce solids at around 6 months then you can start to offer water to your baby once they start weaning, taking into account the advice above.  Some parents find it helpful to initially offer at the end of a meal, so that your baby can take their time in grasping and practising one new skill at a time. Learning to eat and learning to drink are two different processes!  In some cases, for babies who may be eager drinkers, having water before a meal can also sometimes impact on their appetite or acceptance of food that follows. For that reason babies who are being weaned early, on medical advice, you don’t need to offer also, as it remains very important that they are taking as much milk as they need and not filling up on other fluids.

How much should they be drinking?

Initially it is likely that your baby will only be taking small sips of fluid from a cup for two reasons; firstly because they are grasping a brand-new skill which will take time and practice to learn. Secondly their fluid requirements will continue to be met mainly with breast milk or formula milk which is really important. It’s also helpful to remember, especially as your baby progresses through weaning, that they will be getting fluid from food too. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, yoghurt and other fluid rich foods will be contributing to their fluid intake every day.

For these reasons, try to be led by your baby on the volumes of water they wish to take and (unless medically indicated) avoid focussing on target volumes or comparisons with other children the same age. Their intake may well change day to day too – just like food!

Lucy is a specialist Children’s Dietitian and advocate for children’s nutritional health. She is passionate about helping children and their families achieve health & happiness with food and nutrition - offering practical, evidence based advice and support to families with children who have nutrition or growth challenges including; feeding difficulties , food allergies, poor growth, food refusal or medical nutrition requirements.
For more detailed advice you can find Lucy @childrensdietitian or via her website.