Know These 7 Facts About Giving Water To Your Baby

I have seen many new mums worry about whether they should give their infants water; some of the questions were when to start, how much to give and so on. A well known pediatrician in New York advises new mothers, especially breast feeding ones to give babies water only after 6 months of age. Here are a few facts about giving baby water in the first initial months of life.

7 facts about giving water to your baby: 

1) Though water is a universal drink that quenches thirst and is good for the entire body, it is a zero calorie drink that interferes with the intake of breast milk that is dense in calories in good quantity. These calories are very essential for the physical and mental growth of the baby in the initial stages. Child nutrition counselors are of the opinion that it is also not recommended to dilute formula with water beyond what is recommended in the labels.

2) Next it is best to know that offering water to babies below the age of 6 months interferes with the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients from breast milk or formula, with excess water making the baby’s tummy full enough to refuse enough feeds.

3) Babies fed on the breast or on formula do not generally get dehydrated even in hot and humid weathers.So there is no need to give them water specially.  

4) As you wean the baby to solid food start offering a few sips of water after each meal; the baby may first fuss, but the mother’s perseverance could make the baby start drinking water. Water is very important at this stage to aid digestion. Next ensure you boil the water, cool it and then give it to your baby.

5) Preferably offer your baby water by a spoon or a sipper cup; avoid the bottle as the baby could take in air, or the bottle may contain germs that go into the nipple. Also the bottle has to be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized after each feed.

6) Water is very essential once you start baby foods; resist the temptation of substituting fruit juices or other drinks for water as they contain excess sugars. Don’t offer a feed to a baby that refuses water and cries; some babies cry for the mere comfort of suckling. At this stage you need to offer water to your baby even if you breastfeed.

7) It is significant to understand that water is essential for a baby after 6 months when you start solid foods; however resist giving your baby excess water. This could dilute the concentration of sodium in the body, unsettle the electrolyte balance and cause the tissues to swell due to water intoxication.

However your pediatrician is the best person who could advice you; consult one before starting your baby on water.  

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