Periodically, new baby will want a drop of water (3)

I believe the answer is:

ebb

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'want a drop of water' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'periodically new baby' is the wordplay.
'periodically' indicates alternate letters (letters must be selected 'every so often').
'new'+'baby'='newbaby'
The alternate letters of 'newbaby' are 'EBB'.

'will' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ebb that I've seen before include "(Of tidewater) recede" , "recession" , "Tidal retreat" , "(Sea) recede" , "Go out like tide (3)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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