Coconut Water For Babies: Everything You Need To Know

A natural summer drink for babies to enjoy, which aids in their overall growth.

Reviewed by Moloko Mehlape, MSc Moloko Mehlape Moloko MehlapeMSc MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Registered dieticianExperience: 9 years
Written by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Edited by , BSc, MBA Rohit Garoo BSc, MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years
Fact-checked by , MSc (Biotechnology) Vidya Tadapatri MSc (Biotechnology) Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 5 years
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Coconut Water For Babies

Image: ShutterStock

Coconut water for babies is ideally introduced after the first six months

. Apart from having rejuvenating effects, a tender coconut drink is known for its high nutritional and medicinal benefits (1). Though it is a popular health drink loved by adults, especially athletes, most parents wonder if they may give this drink to their babies and if it is good for baby hydration.

Read on the post to explore the benefits, some important measures, the right age, and ways to begin feeding coconut water for babies.

In This Article

Is Coconut Water Good For Babies?

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, coconut water is considered safe for children in general (2)

. There is no research to note the use of coconut water specifically for babies. However, coconut water is rich in electrolytesiMinerals present in blood and bodily fluids that carry an electric charge and are crucial for essential body functions. , carbohydrates, vitamins, and amino acidsiThe building block of life whose molecules combine to form protein. (3), and these nutrients are required for a baby’s growth.

When Can Babies Have Coconut Water?

First, introduce one or two spoonfuls of coconut water to babies.

Image: Shutterstock

You may introduce coconut water after the baby attains the age of six months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that water can be added to a baby’s diet once they begin consuming solids (4). However, introduce it in one or two spoonfuls and check if there are any adverse reactions. Also, do not introduce two new foods at a time.

protip_icon Point to consider
Coconut water might cause a feeling of fullness or stomach discomfort in sensitive babies (2). Feeding babies small amounts at a time can help babies adjust to coconut water’s taste and digestibility.

Nutritional Value of Coconut Water

100g of coconut water contains the following nutrients.

Name Amount RDA (per day)
Water 94.99g –
Energy 19kCal –
Sugars, total 2.61g –
Calcium 24mg 270mg (7-12 months)
Magnesium 25mg 60mg (7-12 months)
Phosphorus 20mg 275mg (7-12 months)
Potassium 250mg 700mg (7-12 months)
Sodium 105mg 200mg (7-12 months)

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (5), World Health Organization (6), and U.S. National Institutes of Health (7)

Benefits of Coconut Water

Coconut water can have the following health benefits for babies.

  1. Refreshing source of energy: Coconut water contains carbohydrates, which can help meet your baby’s daily quota of the nutrient.
Coconut water provides energy and nutrients to babies.

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Provides hydration and electrolytes: Coconut water contains potassium and sodium. It also contains minerals, such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese which are essential for bone development and health  (8). Coconut water can be used as a rehydration drink during the summer months. It can also be useful in restoring electrolyte balance in infants with diarrhea (9). This makes coconut water an important source of pediatric nutrition.
  1. May improve digestion and absorption: Some research studies have shown that regular consumption of coconut water might aid in improving digestive health and infant gut health as well as enhance the process of nutrient absorption (10). However, this warrants more research.
  1. Rich in amino acids: Coconut water is rich in amino acids, like alanine, arginine, serene, and cysteine (11). It can make coconut water a healthy source of protein for a growing baby.

protip_icon Quick fact
Coconut water can be fed to babies during diarrhea as it can help replenish the body’s nutritional stores, especially minerals, that have got depleted due to diarrhea (14).

Coconut water has several benefits tagged to it. But it is also important to know if there are any risks of giving coconut water to babies.

Possible Risks of Coconut Water For Babies

Coconut may pose the following risks to a baby.

  1. Allergic reaction: Allergic reactions to oral consumption of coconut are rare (12). But it is still good to be alert towards any reaction when feeding coconut water to a baby for the first time. You need to be extra careful if your baby already has other food allergies like allergy towards peanuts or other tree nuts.
In rare cases, coconut water may cause an allergic reaction.

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Hyperkalemia: Coconut water is rich in potassium. Feeding the baby very excessive amounts of coconut water may trigger a condition called hyperkalemia, where the potassium levels in the blood become high (13). However, it is unlikely to happen if the baby is fed a normal quantity of coconut water, like water and other fluids.

Measures To Follow While Giving Coconut Water To Babies

Always use freshly extracted water from a green coconut.

Image: Shutterstock

Coconut water is naturally sterileiClean or free from microorganisms. as the water permeatesiSpread through or pervade. through the huskiOuter shell. and is filtered (10). Therefore, you need not boil coconut water before serving it to a baby. However, keep the following measures in mind when you decide to feed coconut water to the baby.

  1. Serve fresh: Use freshly extracted water from a green coconut. If fresh coconut water is unavailable, then you may opt for packaged coconut water. However, check for the date of manufacturing and the presence of preservatives. Go for pure coconut water and not the ones made with water and coconut water concentrate.
protip_icon Quick tip
You can add coconut water to other foods, such as purees or mashed vegetables, to modify their texture and enhance their palatability and overall nutritional value.
  1. Take it slow: Introduce coconut water in small sips, and then wait for a day or two to check for allergies. If the baby is not allergic and seems to enjoy the taste, then you may give coconut water to the baby regularly. Sometimes, a food item may show cross-reactivity with other food and cause allergy. Therefore, continue to stay alert even if the baby did not show any signs initially
  1. Avoid stored coconut water: Avoid storing fresh coconut water in the refrigerator for later use since storage might alter the taste and nutritional value. In the case of packaged coconut water, you may store it for an hour after opening the bottle. However, it is best not to feed a baby from opened and stored packaged coconut water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I give coconut water to my baby during cold and flu?

Cold and flu might cause dehydration. Therefore, you may consider giving coconut water for rehydration but consult a pediatrician before doing that.

2. Is it okay to mix coconut water with infant formula?

Most formula manufacturers recommend making formula milk only in clean and boiled drinking water. Prepare for formula feeding as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Infant formulas already have optimum amounts of micronutrients.

3. Can I give coconut water instead of normal water to my baby?

Coconut water can be a supplementary food, but it should not replace water. Plain drinking water has no nutrients and calories, and provides only hydration. Replacing drinking water entirely with coconut water could cause the baby to consume excess nutrients. It may increase the risk of conditions like hyperkalemia – surplus potassium in the blood.

4. Can I give coconut water to my baby in winters?

Coconut water is a natural diureticiA type of drug that causes the kidney to produce more urine and helps the body get rid of extra fluid and salt. , which means it increases the production of urine. Babies are likely to urinate more during winters. Hence, more consumption of coconut water might increase the frequency. When consumed in moderation, coconut water is unlikely to cause any problems.

5. Is coconut water good for constipation in babies?

Tender coconut water is a good source of dietary fiber. When consumed in large quantities, it improves bowel movement in adults. However, there is no explicit research done on children. Therefore, it is better to get a doctor’s recommendation to confirm the potential benefits of coconut water on your child’s condition.

6. Can babies drink coconut water during a fever?

Babies above six months of age can be given tender coconut water when they have a fever to replenish the nutrients lost from dehydration (16)(17).

You can introduce this healthy drink in small amounts to babies older than six months since they should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives. Many parents often consider coconut water for kids since it can be a refreshing beverage. Babies can also benefit from consuming organic products and plant-based beverages, such as coconut water, as a supplement to regular water. However, you must initially introduce coconut water in small quantities to check for allergic reactions. Further, it is recommended that babies only be provided with freshly extracted coconut water. However, check with your child’s healthcare provider first if they have any health conditions.

Infographic: Benefits And Side Effects of Giving Coconut Water To Babies

Coconut water is a well-known source of essential nutrients. However, if you are planning to give it to your baby, it is suggested that you weigh its benefits and side effects before making a decision. In the following infographic, we have a table to help you make an informed choice. Read on!

benefits vs side effects of cocnut water for babies (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Coconut water is a nutrient-rich drink that is safe for babies above six months, unless they have allergies such as nut allergies.
  • Coconut water energizes, hydrates, restores electrolytes, and may improve digestion and nutrient absorption in babies.
  • However, excessive consumption of coconut water may lead to allergic reactions or increased blood potassium levels in babies.
  • It is ideal to introduce fresh and small amounts of coconut water to babies to check for any allergies or cross-reactions.

Illustration: Coconut Water For Babies: Everything You Need To Know

Coconut Water For Babies_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Shubhashree Thejasvi; Therapeutic and Nutritional Values of Narikelodaka (Tender Coconut Water) -A Review; Researchgate
2. Coconut Water; Medline Plus; U.S National Library of Medicine
3. P. Chauhan et al.; A refreshing beverage from mature coconut water blended with lemon juice; National Center For Biotechnology Information (2014)
4. Starting Solid Foods; Healthy Children; American Academy of Pediatrics
5. Nuts, coconut water (liquid from coconuts); Fooddata Central; USDA
6. Feeding And Nutrition of Infants And Young Children; WHO
7. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride; National Academy of Medicine; National Center For Biotechnology Information
8. Diarrhea; Columbia University Medical Center
9. Adams W and Bratt DE; Young coconut water for home rehydration in children with mild gastroenteritis.; National Center For Biotechnology Information (1992)
10. Nwakunite Lawrencia Chinasa; Nutritional Health Benefit Of Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Water; Innovare Journal Of Food Science
11. Health Benefits; Coconut Development Board, Government of India
12. Coconut Allergy; Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
13. Is coconut water healthy?; The Ohio State University
14. Frequently Asked Questions; Rehydration Project
15. Is Coconut Water a Laxative?; New Health Advisor
16. Oral rehydration; Narayana Health
17. Children with fever should eat what?; Vinmec hospitals

 

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Moloko Mehlape
Moloko MehlapeMSc Dietetics
Moloko Mehlape is a registered dietitian in private practice with around nine years of experience in the field. Her special interest lies in nutrition education, sports nutrition, weight, and chronic disease management. She is a philanthropist passionate about making a positive impact in public health through nutrition.

Read full bio of Moloko Mehlape
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Vidya Tadapatri
Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)
Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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