|
Play Article
|
Being a new parent is an ecstatic feeling, but it can be pretty overwhelming and stressful too. Most new parents have a number of questions about their newborns, and one of the most common is whether or not infants can drink water. It is pretty clear that a newborn cannot eat solid food. So, they live entirely on liquids, especially breast milk. But whether or not you can give them water to drink is an important question.
Pediatricians and health specialists recommend not giving plain water to your newborn baby, as breast milk or formula is their only food and drink. You should not give water to your baby because giving water to them means they will drink less formula or breast milk, disrupting their nutritional intake. This can make them fall sick more easily. In fact, you should avoid anything except formula or breast milk up to a certain age.
- The Pros or Cons of Sending 3-Month-Old Infants to Daycare
- Pedialyte for Babies: When and How to Drink It, very important
- 10 Awesome Learning Activities for Toddlers and Parents?
- Why Affirmations And Meditation Can Help New Moms and Dads
- Best Places to Buy Baby Earrings in 2022: The Best Stores for Quality and Style
When can you give water to your baby?
You can give water to your baby once they reach 6 months, since that is around the time they will start eating more solid food. However, you should still continue to give them formula or breast milk. Consult with your pediatrician about the right amount of water to your baby.
Hydration needs are met through breast milk
The main reason why water is vital for the human body is hydration. But for infants, you don’t have to feed them water for their hydration. They get al their essential hydration from the formula or breast milk.
Fill up their stomach unnecessarily
As newborn babies have a smaller appetite, their tiny stomachs can quickly get filled with water intake. In such cases, it can be tricky for them to have breast milk or formula, which is essential for getting all their nutrients. Similarly, if your child is formula fed, you have to be careful not to mix too much water to dilute the formula as it can lead to water intoxication. It is a condition that is quite common in babies when they drink too much water, and it can be pretty dangerous for them too. You need to follow the exact proportion of water and formula while preparing the mixture. Make sure that you are not adding more water to the mixture to increase the amount.
Related Post: The Top Best 8 Formula’s For Your Baby [and is Baby Formulas Safe to Use?]
In conclusion
Water is not recommended for babies until they’re around 6 months old. Please make sure that you talk to your baby’s doctor regularly if you have any questions regarding your baby’s health. Breastfeeding is the most healthy option for a child under the age of 6 months, and we have many articles on breastfeeding that can be helpful to you. If you are unable to breastfeed, then the formula would be the best option.
When you purchase through links on this page, we earn a commission. Editorial staff members check our content for factual accuracy. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.
