Meeting your baby's fluid requirements
- We all need plenty of fluid on a daily basis to ensure our body functions optimally
- Until weaning, your baby’s fluid requirements are likely to be met by their usual milk (breast milk or infant milk)
- Once weaning commences, cooled boiled water can be offered with your baby’s solids and between meals if required
Which drinks are best
- Water really is the best option for your baby other than breast milk or infant milk
- If you do want to offer juice as your baby gets older, try offering it just once a day, well diluted (1 part juice to 10 parts water) and at mealtimes only
Drinks to avoid
Certain drinks are really not suitable for your baby and these include:
- Tea and coffee
- Cows’, sheep’s and goats’ milk during the first year
- Any drink containing artificial sweeteners and colours
- Any drink with added sugar
Remember that drinking from a cup is much better for your baby’s teeth, so try to get out of the bottle habit as soon as possible
