Fluid intake for babies – How much your baby should drink (incl. table)

Adequate hydration is essential for a child's healthy development, and many new parents wonder how much their baby should drink. Determining the exact amount can be complex, as no two babies are alike and appetites vary greatly. However, there are guidelines and signs you can use as a reference. It is important that this information never replaces medical care from professionals. Always consult your doctor, pediatrician, or midwife for a professional diagnosis and treatment.

The first six months: Milk is enough

In the first six months of life, babies need in addition to breast milk or
infant formula (pre-formula), no additional fluids such as water or tea. Milk consists largely of water and is the best thirst quencher, even in hot temperatures.

Very important:

• It is strongly advised not to give babies water in the first six months, as this can lead to water intoxication .
• In this case, the baby consumes too much water in relation to their body weight and
sodium stores. This dilutes the blood, lowers sodium levels (electrolyte imbalance), and water can enter the cells, which can cause brain cells to swell and increase the risk of seizures and coma.
• Do not dilute breast milk or infant formula with water or tea, as this impairs nutrient intake and can lead to electrolyte imbalances.
• Babies generally drink until they are full. Let your baby drink for as long as they
want, and continue to offer the breast or bottle.

Feeding amounts for newborns (the first 10 days of life)

In the first ten days after birth, an infant's feeding amount can be roughly calculated using a formula: On the day of birth the feeding amount per meal is approximately 2 to 20 milliliters. This amount then increases by ten milliliters daily. A simple rule of thumb is: "day of life times ten" gives the average feeding amount per meal that a baby should receive every three to four hours.

Overview of feeding amounts for newborns per meal

Fluid intake for infants (after the first 10 days up to 6 months)

After the first ten days, it is not so much the age as the weight of the baby that is decisive for calculating the recommended fluid intake. A rule of thumb is that an infant needs about one-sixth of their body weight of fluid (breast milk or infant formula) they should drink per day. Alternatively, you can calculate with 150 milliliters of fluid per kilogram of body weight calculate

 Examples of daily fluid intake (distributed over approx. 6 meals)

Calculation by age and meals (bottle feeding): These values serve as a rough guide and may vary depending on the baby. Babies who are exclusively fed infant formula sometimes drink slightly less, as the milk powder can be more filling.

Note: Pre and Stage 1 infant formulas can be given according to the baby's needs.

Expansion: Infant formula (Pre, 1, 2, 3) Infant formula is divided into different stages: 
divided into:

 Pre-formula (from birth): Contains only lactose as a carbohydrate and is particularly easy 
to digest.
 • Stage 1 (from birth): Contains additional starch and is slightly more filling than Pre-formula.
 • Stage 2 (from the 6th month): Contains more protein, carbohydrates (partly maltodextrin, 
starch) and vitamins.
• Stage 3 (from the 10th month): Is intended for toddlers as a supplement to complementary food and 
contains more energy and nutrients.

Important note on pre-formula: Pre-formula can be given throughout the entire first year of life 
as long as the baby is satisfied and thriving. Switching to follow-on milk (stage 1, 2, or 3) is not mandatory and should always be discussed with your pediatrician.

Breastfed babies: For breastfed babies, the amount consumed is difficult to measure, as you can hardly track the quantity. The rule here is: "As much as it takes to be full". Nurse your baby on demand , i.e., whenever it signals hunger. A rule of thumb at the beginning of the breastfeeding period is eight breastfeeding sessions in 24 hours. It is important to let your baby drink until it releases the breast or bottle on its own, as it is likely full then. Constant weighing before and after breastfeeding is not recommended, as it can put unnecessary pressure on mothers.

Feeding amount for premature babies

For premature babies, nutrition is closely monitored by the attending physician and their team. The feeding amounts are correspondingly lower and must be increased slowly, always in consultation with the pediatrician.

 Guidelines for premature babies:

The number of meals also depends on the gestational age at which the baby was born; the earlier the birth, the more meals the premature baby needs. Once a premature baby has developed well up to their original due date, they can usually be fed normally thereafter.

How to tell if your baby is drinking enough

You can assume your baby is getting enough fluids if the following points apply:

They have about six to eight wet diapers per day (four to six for premature babies), the 
contents of which are clear and odorless. About two diapers should also contain stool, 
which is not too firm and does not cause your baby any distress.
 • The skin tone looks rosy and healthy .
 • They seem alert and lively.
 • Your baby is gaining steadily and maintains an optimal weight. Regular weight checks by your midwife during their visits are usually sufficient.
 • It lets go of the breast or bottle on its own when it is full.

Signs of dehydration and what to do

There may be days when your baby drinks less, for example, if they are feeling unwell or have no appetite. Watch for the following symptoms, which may indicate dehydration:

 Skin folds do not snap back but remain visible for longer.
 • Oral mucosa and tongue become dry.
 • The fontanelle appears sunken. If you notice signs of dehydration, especially a 
sunken fontanelle, you should consult a pediatrician immediately.
 • Sunken cheeks and eyes can also be a sign:

 What you can do if your baby is drinking little: If your baby is drinking little, 
various factors may play a role:

Distractions: A restless environment can significantly affect feeding behavior. Breastfeed in a quiet atmosphere so your baby can concentrate better.
 • Uncomfortable breastfeeding position: Try different positions.
• Pain: Teething or oral infections (e.g., thrush) can cause pain while sucking 
cause.
 • Growth spurts: Babies go through phases of reduced appetite.
 • Nipple confusion: Combining breastfeeding and bottle-feeding can lead to uncertainty.
 • Stress/Overstimulation: Too many stimuli, restlessness, or heat can overwhelm the baby.

 Strategies:

Nurse/offer the bottle more frequently: Feel free to do this every two to three hours. Some 
children drink for shorter periods, but more often.
 • Waking at night: If a particularly sleepy infant is not drinking enough, you should also feed them more often at night.
 • No tea or juice to increase fluid intake: This causes the baby to 
drink less breast milk or formula, and does not improve nutrient intake.
 • Encourage skin-to-skin contact (bonding, babywearing).
 • Try nipple shields or different teats.
 • Gentle baby massages for relaxation.
 • In case of persistent refusal to drink: Consult a midwife, lactation consultant (IBCLC), or pediatrician 
.

Fluid intake during the weaning stage (from approx. 6 months)

With the start of weaning, around the sixth month of life, or from the third
solid meal, your child needs water in addition to milk as a drink. At the beginning, they will still drink very little, as milk meals continue to contain plenty of fluids. Water only becomes the ideal thirst quencher once your baby has become accustomed to solid food.

Recommended water intake with solid food:

• 1. Porridge (lunch): A few sips of water (20–50 ml).
• 2nd porridge (evening): Water with two meals (approx. 100–150 ml).
• 3rd porridge (afternoon): approx. 200 ml spread throughout the day.
• From one year onwards: approx. 600 to 800 ml of water per day (in addition to food).


What is my baby allowed to drink?

Fresh tap water and still mineral water are the preferred drinks.
• Tap water in Germany is usually of good quality. However, you should be cautious with old lead pipes and newly installed copper pipes and inform yourself about the nitrate content. Let the water run briefly until it is cold to avoid bacterial contamination. Boiling is generally not necessary. The use of water filters is not recommended.
• Unsweetened herbal or fruit teas can also be offered, but water should be preferred. There are special, unsweetened tea bags for infants that are produced under strict regulations and are free of pollutants and unsweetened.
• Juices should only be given heavily diluted.

Tips for getting started with water:

• Offer water in a sippy cup or a suitable bottle. An egg cup or a doll's cup are also great for practicing.
• If your baby refuses plain water, you can initially add small amounts of breast milk
or formula.
• Water-rich foods like soups, vegetables, or fruit also contribute to
hydration.
• Some babies prefer lukewarm water over cold.

Fluid requirements for toddlers (from 1 year)

As solid food intake increases, the proportion of milk in the diet decreases, and water becomes the
main drink.

In addition to water, unsweetened herbal or fruit teas are suitable. Juices should only be given highly diluted.

Fluid intake for specific health conditions

 • Reflux: Babies with reflux often drink smaller amounts more frequently. Special thickened AR
(anti-reflux) formulas can reduce regurgitation, but total fluid requirements must still be met.
• Allergies: For infants at risk of allergies, hypoallergenic (HA) formulas
are used, which have a modified protein structure and are easier to digest; however, the
fluid intake amounts remain the same.
• Digestive issues (colic, constipation): Babies with colic or constipation
sometimes drink less or more irregularly. Warmth, tummy massages, and close weight monitoring can help prevent undernourishment.
• Acute illnesses (fever, diarrhea, infections): Fluid requirements are significantly
increased (up to +20%). Isotonic rehydration solutions from the pharmacy (e.g.
Oralpädon®) are useful here, as plain teas or water do not contain electrolytes. In the event of
severe fluid loss (e.g., due to vomiting/diarrhea), seek medical attention
immediately! Watch for signs such as dry lips, sunken eyes, or

lethargy. It is important to continue breastfeeding or providing formula – more frequently, but in
smaller amounts.

International differences in recommendations

Recommendations for fluid intake are similar worldwide, but differ, for example, regarding water quality or the timing of introducing solid foods.

• Germany/Austria: Tap water is permitted (if quality is good), start of solid foods at 6
months.
• USA: Earlier introduction of solid foods (from 4 months) is sometimes recommended.
• Sweden: Very breastfeeding-friendly, often longer breastfeeding duration up to 1 year.
• India: Solid foods often started earlier, but there are hygiene issues with water.
• Japan: Many packaged baby drinks, often rice porridge instead of vegetables.

Important note: This advice and information in no way replaces medical care by qualified professionals. Always consult your doctor, pediatrician, or midwife for a professional diagnosis and treatment.