Infants' Need for Water

During the first months of life, infants consume more total water per kilogram of body weight than adults, but “seven times” is not a universal ratio. Estimates depend on age, comparison group, and measurement method; the EPA’s review summarizes intake for children under six months as about 2.5 times that of adults, counting water from all sources, including milk and food. This does not mean infants should be given plain water separately: breast milk or correctly prepared formula provides fluids at this age.