Coconut Water for Babies: Safety, Health Benefits, And Side Effects

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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.

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 electrolytesⁱXMinerals present in blood and bodily fluids that carry an electric charge and are crucial for essential body functions. , carbohydrates, vitamins, and amino acidsⁱXThe 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?

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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.

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.

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.

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2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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).

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.

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2. 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

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Coconut water is naturally sterileⁱXClean or free from microorganisms. as the water permeatesⁱXSpread through or pervade. through the huskⁱXOuter 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.

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.

2. 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

3. 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.

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!

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Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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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. Dt. Mehlape has completed extensive formal education and training, and holds qualifications BSc...more

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. Then she worked as a nutrition faculty and clinical nutrition coach in...more

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. Also, he holds a certificate in Developmental Psychology from The University of Queensland and loves to expand his knowledge through certifications in various...more

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. Vidya writes health-based articles...more