Drinking amounts for babies – How much your baby should drink (including table)

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

The first six months: milk is enough

In the first six months of life, babies need not only breast milk or
Infant formula (pre-formula) does not contain any additional liquids 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 recommended not to give water to babies in the first six months as this can lead to what is known as water intoxication .
• The baby takes in too much water in relation to its body weight and
Sodium stores build up. This thins the blood, lowers sodium levels (electrolyte imbalance), and water can seep into 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 will impair nutrient intake and may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
• Babies usually drink until they are full . Let your baby drink as long as he or she
wants, and offer the breast or bottle again and again.

Drinking amount for newborns (first 10 days of life)

In the first ten days after birth, an infant's fluid intake can be roughly calculated using a formula: On the day of birth, the fluid intake per feeding 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 fluid intake per feeding that a baby should receive every three to four hours.

Overview of the amount of liquid for newborns per feeding

Drinking amount for infants (after the first 10 days up to 6 months)

After the first ten days, the baby's age is less important than its weight when calculating the recommended fluid intake. A rule of thumb is that an infant should drink about one-sixth of their body weight in fluid (breast milk or formula) per day. Alternatively, you can calculate 1.50 milliliters of fluid per kilogram of body weight.

Examples of the amount of fluids to drink per day (spread over approximately 6 meals)

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

Note: Pre and 1 initial formulas can be given as the baby needs them.

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

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

Important note on pre-food: Pre-food can be used throughout the first year of life
as long as the baby is happy and thriving. Switching to follow-on milk (stage 1, 2, or 3) is not mandatory and should always be done in consultation with your pediatrician.

Breastfed babies: It's difficult to measure the amount a baby feeds, as you can barely measure the amount. The rule here is: " Feed until they're full ." Feed your baby as needed , whenever they signal hunger. A general rule of thumb when starting breastfeeding is eight feeds in 24 hours . It's important to let your baby feed until they let go of the breast or bottle on their own, as they're likely full by then. Constantly weighing your baby before and after feeding is not recommended, as it can put unnecessary pressure on mothers.

Drinking amount for premature babies

In premature babies, nutrition is closely monitored by the attending physician and his or her team. The amount of fluids is correspondingly lower and must be increased gradually, always in consultation with the pediatrician.

Guidelines for premature babies:

The number of feedings also depends on the baby's gestational age; the earlier the birth, the more feedings the premature baby will need. If a premature baby has developed well up to its original due date, it can usually be fed normally afterward.

How to tell if your baby is drinking enough

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

It has about six to eight wet diapers per day (four to six for premature babies),
Contents are clear and odorless. About two diapers should also be filled with stool,
which is not too firm and does not cause your baby to suffer.
• The skin tone looks rosy and healthy .
• It appears cheerful and lively.
• Your baby is gaining weight steadily and is at its optimal weight. Regular weight checks by the midwife during her 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're feeling unwell or lacking appetite. Look out for the following symptoms, which may indicate dehydration:

Skin wrinkles do not disappear, but remain longer.
• Oral mucosa and tongue become dry.
• The fontanelle sinks. If there are signs of dehydration, especially
sunken fontanelle, you should consult a pediatrician immediately.
• Sunken cheeks and eyes can also be a sign:

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

Distractions: A noisy environment can significantly influence feeding behavior. Breastfeed in a quiet atmosphere so your baby can concentrate better.
• Uncomfortable breastfeeding position: Try different positions.
• Pain: Teething or infections in the mouth (e.g. thrush) can cause pain when sucking
cause.
• Growth spurts: Babies have phases of reduced desire to drink.
• Nipple confusion: A combination of breast and bottle can lead to insecurity.
• Stress/overwhelm: Too many stimuli, restlessness or heat can overwhelm the baby.

Strategies:

Feed/offer a bottle more often : Do this every two to three hours. Some
Children drink for shorter periods of time, but more often.
• Waking at night: If a particularly sleepy baby is not drinking enough, you should feed him more often at night.
• No tea or juice to increase the amount of fluids: This will cause the baby
drinks less breast milk or infant formula and nutrient intake is not improved.
• Promote skin contact (bonding, carrying).
• Try nipple shields or other teats.
• Gentle baby massages for relaxation.
• If the baby continues to refuse to drink: midwife, lactation consultant (IBCLC) or pediatrician
consult.

Drinking amount during complementary feeding (from approx. 6 months)

With the start of complementary feeding, from about the sixth month of life, or from the third
When your baby starts solid food, they'll need water in addition to milk . Initially, they'll drink very little, as milk-based meals still contain a lot of liquid. Water only becomes an ideal thirst quencher once your baby has become accustomed to solid food.

Recommended water intake with complementary foods:

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


What can my baby drink?

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

Tips for starting with water:

• Offer water in a training cup or a suitable bottle . An egg cup or a doll's cup are also suitable for practice.
• If your baby refuses pure water, you can initially give small amounts of breast milk
or add milk formula.
• Water-rich foods such as soups, vegetables or fruit also contribute to
Fluid intake.
• Some babies prefer lukewarm water to cold water.

Fluid requirements of toddlers (from 1 year)

As complementary feeding increases, the proportion of milk in the diet decreases and water becomes
Main drink.

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

Drinking amount for health reasons

• Reflux: Babies with reflux often drink smaller amounts more frequently. Special thickened AR- Anti-reflux foods can reduce reflux, but overall fluid needs must be met.
• Allergies: Hypoallergenic (HA) foods are used for infants at risk of allergies.
used which have a modified protein structure and are easier to digest;
However, drinking amounts remain the same.
• Digestive problems (colic, constipation): Babies with colic or constipation
sometimes drink less or less frequently. Warmth, abdominal massage, and frequent weight monitoring can help prevent deficiencies.
• Acute illnesses (fever, diarrhea, infections): The fluid requirement is significantly
increased (up to +20%). Isotonic rehydration solutions from the pharmacy (e.g.
Oralpädon®) are useful here, since pure teas or water do not contain electrolytes.
If you experience severe fluid loss (e.g. vomiting/diarrhoea), seek immediate medical help
Look out for signs such as dry lips, sunken eyes or

Apathy. It is important to continue breastfeeding or to give pre-feeding – more often, but in
smaller quantities.

International differences in recommendations

The recommendations for drinking amount are similar worldwide, but differ, for example, in water quality or the timing of complementary feeding.

• Germany/Austria: Tap water allowed (if of good quality), start complementary feeding at 6
months.
• USA: In some cases, earlier introduction of complementary foods (from 4 months) is recommended.
• Sweden: Very breastfeeding-friendly, often longer breastfeeding period up to 1 year.
• India: Complementary feeding often starts earlier, but hygiene problems with water.
• Japan : Many packaged baby drinks, often rice porridge instead of vegetables.

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