Introducing Drinking Water to the Baby

Introduction

The article below provides an overview of the importance of introducing drinking water to babies, highlighting the appropriate timing and safe practices involved. It emphasizes that exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding is recommended for infants up to approximately six months of age, as breast milk or formula provides adequate hydration. After six months, as solid foods are introduced, small amounts of water can be gradually offered to complement their diet. It is advised to use a cup rather than a bottle to promote proper drinking skills and minimize dental issues. Water can be given during mealtime to assist with swallowing and digestion, but it should not replace breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition. Care should be taken to avoid overhydration and to use clean, safe water. Consulting with a pediatrician or healthcare provider is recommended for personalized guidance on introducing water to babies.

Why Should Not Water Be Given to Babies Younger Than Six Months?

Although there are many benefits of drinking water such as helping in the transportation of nutrients, helping in the elimination of toxic waste, lubrication of joints and tissues, maintenance of blood volume, and elimination of the need to drink other fluids. But parents must wait till the babies are six-month of age for the following reasons:

• Until six months, breastmilk or formula is the ultimate source of nutrition, providing food and water for the baby.

• Even in hot weather, breast milk or infant formula will keep them hydrated.

• Providing babies with water may mean they drink less breast milk or infant formula.

• Giving them water can increase the risk of not getting enough nutrition to grow by not drinking breast milk or formula.

• Offering excess water to babies or diluted formula over a short time can also make them very sick.

• Breast milk comprises 87 percent of water. For babies above six months, a few sips of water can be given.

• Any kind of fruit juices or soft drinks is inappropriate and unsuitable for babies under 12 months old.

• Caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, energy drinks, and liquor are a strict no to children of any age.

The amount of water the babies drink is as follows :

• For a four to six-month baby, usually limited to four ounces (118 milliliters) of water per day.

• For a nine to 12 month baby, four to eight (118 to 227 milliliters) ounces of water per day.

• For 12 to 24 months babies, eight to 32 (227 to 946 milliliters) ounces of water per day.

When to Introduce Water to the Baby?

• When the baby is around six months, offer small amounts of drinking water, which is boiled and later cooled.

• Be careful, as it should not take the place of their breastmilk or formula feeds. As drinking more water can compromise the nutrients and disturb the electrolyte balance.

• Breastmilk or formula should always be their primary drink for up to one year of age.

• After 12 months or one year of age, the main drink should be water and cow's milk or breastmilk; formula should be gradually reduced.

• Offer water or milk in a cup to the baby. Developing the habit of drinking from a cup is beneficial for babies and has long-term advantages.

• There is no need to boil drinking water after one year of age as the child's immunity increases.

After beginning solids:

• Begin with a few gulps of water daily, do not force it if the baby does not drink initially.

• Introduce a cup for drinking water so that they learn to drink from a cup while eating.

• Constipation can be prevented, and also the bulk of potty is increased.

• The main purpose is to teach them to drink water (drinks) and learn how to drink water from a cup.

• Breastmilk remains the main source of water till one year of age.

• Water in bottles can be introduced later.

Is It Recommended to Offer Water to Babies in Hot Weather?

• In hot weather, the baby may feel more thirsty. It is crucial to offer regular breastfeeding or bottle-feeds if the baby is under six months.

• Only offer water under the doctor's recommendation for babies under six months of age.

• If the baby is above six months, it might want to drink more than usual but for shorter periods.

• If the mother is breastfeeding, she should also ensure she drinks adequate water.

Other things that can be considered are:

• Place a towel, sheet, or pillowcase in between the mother and the baby so that they do not get heated up.

• Lying down to breastfeed will lessen skin-to-skin contact, helping to reduce heat.

• If the baby has six to eight pale wet nappies over 24 hours, that means the baby is adequately hydrated.

What Are the Risks Associated With Giving Excess Water or Introducing Water to Babies Very Early?

• Deficiency: More water will lead to a lack of nutrients that babies will get from breastfeeding or formula.

• Reduced Weight Gain: Due to excess water, the calorie intake will lessen, leading to decreased weight gain.

• Mothers' Milk Supply Will Reduce: Giving excess water will reduce the milk supply because the babies will get breastfed less.

• Electrolyte Imbalance: Excess water will dilute babies' blood resulting in water intoxication (high sodium in babies' blood). This can lead to seizures and abnormal body function.

Should Water Be Given to the Baby During Fever?

• Under Six Months: If the baby is under six months, breastfeed the baby more frequently. If the baby is formula-fed, parents can offer slighter amounts of formula more frequently. Avoid offering water unless advised by a pediatrician.

• Above Six Months: Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as advised by the pediatrician. Offer water in between feeds as the child needs it. Always ensure that the child is getting enough fluids.

• After 12 Months of Age: Offer water to the child as per their needs, along with cow's milk and breast milk. Reduce or avoid infant formula.

What Are the Signs of Dehydration and Overhydration in Babies?

Signs of dehydration are :

• Less than six wet diapers in a day.

• The urine is dark yellow.

• The lips are cracked.

• Soft spots on the head are sunken.

• The cry is without tears.

• Dry skin of hands and feet.

• Cold hands and feet.

• Sleep a lot.

• Baby is fussy and cries without any reason.

Signs of overhydration are:

• Vomiting.

• Tiredness and fatigue in children.

• Sickness.

• More wet diapers (more than six).

• The child may look confused.

• Different behavior changes.

Conclusion

Babies should start drinking water only when they start with solid. The only liquid baby should be consuming till six months of age is breastmilk or infant formula. Offering water is up to parents till 12 months or one year of age. Teach babies to drink from a cup, as bottle drinking may lead to too much water consumption, and it is not a required skill. As guardians, we can model drinking water daily to help children build beneficial habits early on.