My baby wants water at night—should I give it?
⚡ Short answer: Asking for water at night is quite common in babies over 12 months.
Anonymous
bir anne · Sleep
My baby is over a year old and asks for water when they wake at night—does giving it every time create a habit that disrupts their sleep?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
Asking for water at night is quite common in babies over 12 months. Short answer: if it's occasional, no problem, but giving water every night at wakings can become a habit.
Babies over 12 months have the physiological capacity to go without water through the night. If you give water at every waking, your baby may wake and ask for it not out of hunger or discomfort, but simply out of habit. This can also delay your baby's ability to self-soothe and fall back asleep between sleep cycles.
What you can do: make sure your baby is drinking enough during the day. When they wake, wait a few minutes to see if they can self-soothe before responding. If they persistently ask for water, give only a sip—not more. Expect these wakings to decrease within a few days.
If your baby is drinking large amounts of water at night, frequent urination, or excessive thirst during the day, I recommend discussing this with your pediatrician.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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