5 Facts to Remember About Hydration for Infants and Toddlers

As we know, water is essential to life, and drinking quality water helps keep us balanced. This starts at the youngest age! That is why giving your child pure water is fundamental to their development, health, and well-being.

1/ At birth, the body is 75 % water

At birth, the body is approximately 75 % water, compared with 60 % in adulthood. At the very beginning of life, milk meets most of an infant's water needs.

However, starting at 6 months, it is recommended, as part of introducing a wider variety of foods, to add water to baby bottles. As milk consumption decreases in favor of other foods, fluid intake decreases too. It is therefore important to remember to introduce water gradually into your child's diet.

2/ How does water help protect the sensitive bodies of infants and children?

A baby has greater hydration needs than an adult. Water supports the development of an infant's vital functions and also helps regulate their body temperature.

Water also carries the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed for healthy growth. This need is also explained by babies' immature kidney function: because the system is less efficient, more water is needed to eliminate waste from the body.

3/ What should you do if your baby does not seem to like water?

Getting children to drink water is not always easy! As with many new foods, a baby needs some time before starting to enjoy a new taste. Offer it several times to help them get used to it gradually.

Feel free to try different containers, such as a cup or baby bottle. Sometimes, that can make all the difference ;-).

4 / What water should you use to prepare your baby's bottle?

The Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’Alimentation advises paying special attention to the water used to prepare baby bottles. Choose pure, quality water that is low in nitrates and has a low mineral content to avoid straining your child's kidneys.

A baby's immune system is fragile, and many organs are still immature. Ensuring an intake of quality water therefore helps protect your child's health and supports their development.

5/ Why should you offer water to young children regularly?

Before age 3, children very rarely think to ask for water. Yet keeping them properly hydrated is very important, in both summer and winter. Good hydration habits, like good eating habits, start at the youngest age.

You should therefore encourage your child to drink water. If they resist drinking their glass of water, you can offer a straw to make the moment a little more fun :-).

Hydration for children is a very important topic that can raise questions or cause anxiety for parents. And it is always helpful to remember that there are no bad questions! Feel free to seek information from healthcare professionals who can advise you and recommend good practices.

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