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When Can Infants Start Drinking Water?
Giving water to your baby, who is below 6 months, can actually harm him/her in many ways. Read on to know what to do.
You may be confused or even irritated with the advice you get from your relatives or neighbours about baby care. Opinions may vary from an individual to individual. This may ultimately confuse the first-time moms. Among those, a common confusion is about when can infants start drinking water.
You may get advice that water should be given to the baby to avoid dehydration. But the fact is that even in extremely hot and dry weather conditions, your newborn can get all the liquids needed from your breast milk. Breast milk contains approximately 88% of water, which is enough for your baby, even in the hot climate.
Also Read: How Babies Understand The World
In fact, giving water to your baby, who is below 6 months, can actually harm him/her in many ways. The most extreme form of it can be seem in terms of water intoxication and malnutrition.
When they are full with water, babies will hesitate to drink breast milk, as they would not feel hungry. Understand that a baby's stomach is very small and hence your breast milk is more than enough to fill it. So, it is important to know when can infants start drinking water.
By going through this article, you may get a clear idea about when can infants start drinking water. Continue reading.
Newborns
Breast milk will do the best at this time. Even in the first few days after birth, colostrum, the welcoming food for newborn in the mother's milk, is enough to keep the baby hydrated.
The more often a woman breastfeeds, more will be the milk that is produced, which means more water for the baby.
1st Day – 3 Months
Infants should not be fed with water from the time of birth to the first three months. Feeding too much water can cause oral water intoxication and it can affect the brain and heart of the baby. Extra water can also cause the baby's tummy to feel full and he/she may refuse breast milk.
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Read:
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Development
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Babies
From 4 – 6 Months
Feeding water during this period may not be harmful, but it is not advisable. Breast milk has all the water your baby needs. It has nutrients a baby needs to quench thirst and satisfy hunger. However, babies who feed on milk formula may be given some water during the hot and dry weather.
Above 6 Months
It is okay to give some sips of water a couple of times in a day to the baby after six months. Once the baby starts taking solid foods, milk or water in small amounts can be given with solids. But it is better to breastfeed the baby up to 6 months of age.
Also Read: Facts About Baby Kicks
Side Effects Of Giving Water To Babies Less Than 6 Months
Once you are clear on the fact when can infants start drinking water, keep these points too in mind. Feeding the baby more water will interfere with the absorption of nutrients in breast milk or the formula.
It is also important to strictly follow the instructions given in the formula feed while making it. Use only the recommended amount of water.
Water Intoxication
Addition of too much water can cause water intoxication. This occurs when there is a change in the electrolyte balance of the body. Excess water will dilute the sodium concentration. This will result in oedema. It is not fair to give babies water until they are six months old.
Also Read: Food Chart For Your Baby
Breast Milk Is The Best Milk!
Try to feed the baby with only breast milk for the first six months. Exclusive breastfeeding can reduce infant death caused by common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, etc.
Hope you are now confident enough to advise a mother confused of when can infants start drinking water.
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