Heatwave alert. In the summer of 2025, Europe is once again hit by severe heatwaves and very hot weather. We regularly receive questions about giving water to breastfed babies.
During the first six months of life, breast milk alone is sufficient to hydrate infants, provided that breastfeeding is exclusive and well established, that the child has access to the breast on demand, and that other measures are taken to ensure his or her well-being.
It is true that water does not replace the minerals that infants lose through sweating. Breast milk is composed of approximately 88% water. If a mother breastfeeds her baby on demand, her milk provides not only the water to quench the child’s thirst and the vital minerals but also vitamines and anti-infection agents necessary for good health.
After six months, water should be offered to a child who is no longer exclusively breastfed, along with thirst-quenching fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, melon, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.
Regular wet diapers with clear urine are a good way to check that your baby is well hydrated.
Other measures should be taken to ensure the child’s well-being:
- dress your child in appropriate clothing
- protect your child from the sun with a hat
- walk in the shade and avoid the hottest hours of the day
- moisten your child’s arms and legs with a wet washcloth
- or use a spray bottle to cool the skin
When traveling by car, it is important to take breaks, park in the shade, and give the child something to drink or breastfeed at regular intervals.
As cosmetics used by the mother can pass into her milk, it is a good idea to find out about sunscreens (see link below).
For more information
- La Leche League Canada https://www.lllc.ca/breastfeeding-summer-or-hot-weather
- Federal Health Ministery general information https://www.bag.admin.ch/en/heat
- Breastfeeding Promotion Switzerland – Sun protection https://www.stillfoerderung.ch/logicio/pmws/stillen__englisch__de.html#sun
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