“Mommy, I’m thirsty. I want milk!”
That’s what little Jayden used to say all the time when he was around two. He loved drinking milk throughout the day—morning, afternoon, and bedtime. At first, I was happy. Milk is healthy, right? But soon, I noticed he was eating less, feeling bloated, and even having runny poop. After a visit to the doctor, we heard something surprising: “He might be drinking too much milk.”
That made me pause and ask: Can kids really drink milk like it’s water?
The short answer? It depends on their age and how much milk they’re having each day.
0–6 Months: Yes, Milk Is Their Water
For babies under 6 months old, breastmilk or formula is all they need—even for hydration. No extra water is needed at all.
Breastmilk and formula are about 90% water, so they fully meet your baby’s fluid needs. Also, babies’ kidneys are still developing. Too much water can actually be dangerous, throwing off their salt balance or even causing water intoxication. Adding water might also cause them to drink less milk and miss out on important nutrients.
So yes, at this stage, milk completely counts as water. No need to offer extra fluids.
6 Months and Up: Time to Balance Milk and Water
Once your baby starts solid foods—usually around 6 months—milk is no longer their only source of nutrition or hydration. It’s still important, but it can’t replace water anymore. Drinking too much milk at this stage can cause problems.
Not Getting Enough of Other Nutrients
Milk is rich in protein, fat, and calcium, but it doesn’t have much iron, vitamin C, or fiber. If your child is filling up on milk, they may eat less fruit, vegetables, grains, and meat—causing a nutritional imbalance.
Low Iron and Risk of Anemia
Milk can make it harder for the body to absorb iron from other foods. That’s why kids who drink a lot of milk often have low iron levels and might develop iron deficiency anemia.
Too Many Calories and Digestive Trouble
Milk has calories and sugar (in the form of lactose). Drinking too much can lead to weight gain or digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
How Much Milk Is Just Right?
Here are some general daily milk guidelines from pediatricians:
- 6–12 months: 20–24 oz (about 600–720 ml) of breastmilk or formula
- 12–24 months: No more than 16–20 oz (480–600 ml) of whole milk
- 2 years and older: Around 12–16 oz (360–480 ml) of milk (low-fat is usually recommended)
Babies under 1 year should not drink regular cow’s milk as their main drink. Stick with breastmilk or formula until their first birthday. After that, whole milk in moderation is okay.
What If My Kid Just Really Loves Milk?
Lots of kids go through a phase where they love milk more than anything else. If that sounds like your child, here are a few tips to manage it in a healthy way:
- Set a daily milk limit and stick to it
- Offer water first when your child says they’re thirsty
- Use a fun cup or straw to make drinking water more exciting
- Save milk for meals or snacks—not for all-day sipping
- Mix in yogurt or cheese instead of giving more milk
- Switch to open cups after age one to reduce milk dependency
How Much Water Does My Child Need?
As your child eats more solids, they’ll naturally need more plain water. Here’s a rough guide:
- 6–12 months: 4–8 oz (120–240 ml) of water per day
- 1–3 years: 4–6 cups (about 1.3 liters)
- 4–8 years: 5–7 cups (about 1.7 liters)
Water is the best drink for thirst. Milk should be treated as a nutritious food, not an all-day drink.
Final Thoughts
Milk is a great source of calcium, protein, and nutrients. But after 6 months old, it shouldn’t replace water. Help your child build a balanced routine with the right mix of milk, water, and food.
More doesn’t always mean better. What your child needs most is enough of the right things, not too much of one. And as always—every little step you take helps them grow up healthy and strong.
