Breastfed babies
Exclusively breastfed babies do not need additional water – breastmilk is 88% water and supplies all the fluids that your baby needs. Even in the first few days after birth, before mom’s milk has “come in”, colostrum is all that is needed to keep baby well hydrated!
Even when it is very hot outside, they do not need additional water, as long as baby is allowed to nurse as needed. Even in extremely hot, dry weather your baby can get all the liquids needed via breastmilk.
Formula-fed babies
Formula fed babies also do not need extra water. If baby is sick or if it is extremely hot outside, you can give baby more frequent milk feeds to hydrate.
For newborns (especially under 4 – 5 weeks), water supplements can be risky
- Babies under two months should not be given supplemental water.
- Water supplements are associated with increased bilirubin levels (jaundice), excess weight loss, and longer hospital stays for newborns.
- Too much water can lead to a serious condition called oral water intoxication.
- Water supplements fill baby up without adding calories, so water supplements can result in weight loss (or insufficient weight gain) for the baby.
- Babies who get water supplements are less interested in nursing. If baby is not nursing as often as he should, it will take longer for mom’s milk to come in and can delay or prevent mom from establishing an optimum milk supply.
For babies past the newborn stage
- Too much water can interfere with breastfeeding because it fills baby up so that he nurses less. Babies need the nutrition and calories in breastmilk to grow – water has none of these.
- Breastmilk has all the water your baby needs, even in very hot weather.
- When your 4 – 6 month old baby is learning to use a cup, giving him a few sips of water a couple of times a day (no more than 60 ml per 24 hours) is fine and fun.
- Once baby starts solids, you might want to give him a few sips of expressed milk or water with his solids – some babies need this to prevent constipation.
- For older babies & toddlers, continue to breastfeed and offer water in moderation. Breastmilk supplies plenty of fluids, so many older babies or toddlers who breastfeed without restriction can get the fluids they need through breastfeeding. Others may need a little water with solids to prevent constipation. No need for a bottle – just offer a cup. Most older babies and toddlers particularly like to drink water from a parent’s cup or straw. In our family, we usually offer a cup of water at mealtime, or when someone else is getting a drink, and let the child choose whether or not to drink.
Article was adapted from Kelly Mom
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