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How much water or fluid do kids need?

The amount of water or fluid a baby or child needs varies depending on factors such as their body size, environmental conditions, their normal dietary intake and their level of physical activity.

That said, you can start with 1 to 1.5 litres per day as a rough guide. From 12 months of age onwards, it’s recommended that most of the fluid they drink is tap water.

Girl at water drinking fountain

How to encourage them to drink tap water

  • Introduce water soon after introducing solids

  • Provide children with their own water bottles, which they can take with them wherever they go

  • Make tap water readily available, particularly at meal and snack times

  • Always have a jug or bottles of tap water in the fridge

  • Only have sweetened drinks on special occasions

Why tap water beats bottled water

Whenever possible, give your kids tap water over commercial bottled water. Why? Because tap water contains fluoride, which plays a big role in preventing tooth decay and tooth erosion. Tap water is cheaper too!