The amount of water a baby should drink varies by age. Here's a breakdown based on recommendations for infants and young children:
Recommended Daily Water Intake for Babies
The following table details the suggested daily water intake for babies, as well as milk intake:
| 6-12 months | 12-24 months | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 4-8 oz/day (0.5-1 cup/day) | 8-32 oz/day (1-4 cups/day) |
| Cow's Milk* | None | 16 oz/day (2 cups/day) |
Note that the reference specifies cow's milk* for babies 12-24 months old.
Key Considerations
- 6-12 Months: Infants in this age group can have 4-8 oz of water per day, which is about 0.5 to 1 cup.
- 12-24 Months: Toddlers aged 1 to 2 years can increase their water intake to 8-32 oz per day, equivalent to 1-4 cups. They should also receive approximately 16 oz (2 cups) of cow's milk daily.
- Best Beverages: According to healthychildren.org, the best beverages for young children are water and plain milk.
