Water for infants? Older kids?
At this age, water is not necessary, but also not harmful. In other words: yes, it’s fine to give him sips. Starting solids doesn’t mean you have to start water, although it can help treat the constipation that might result from the solids. A common mistake that parents make is to give extra water on a hot day in lieu of breastmilk. This can lead to electrolyte imbalances in a young baby.
When the baby is older and starting to use a sippy cup, I prefer parents fill the cup with water, and not juice. Toddlers and older kids need to drink several cups of water each day – not several cups of juice. Kids get too much sugar as it is. A little juice is a nice treat, but I think it is important that when kids are thirsty, they ask for water – a healthy habit that will last a lifetime.
Dr. Jim
