Some babies want water; others don’t. It is not absolutely necessary, because the amount of fluid in the feed is enough to satisfy the baby’s ordinary needs. However, it is important to note that babies younger than 6 months of age should not be given water.
Is there a difference between the water requirements of breast-fed and bottle-fed babies?
According to Dr. Sears, “Breastfeeding babies do not need extra water, though formula-fed babies often do. Your breast milk contains enough water for your baby (it is 88% water,) even in hot, dry climates. Formula contains higher concentrations of salts and minerals than breast milk does, so that extra water is often necessary for the kidneys to excrete the extra salt. Also, because of less efficient metabolism, formula-fed infants lose more water.” (Click for source.)
Doctors often recommend that formula-fed babies should be given sips of water beyond 6 months of age when solid foods are introduced, to avoid constipation. However, this is only a suggestion, not a strict condition. Don’t force your baby to drink water if he does not want to, he knows how much his body requires.
How much water should a baby be given?
Beyond 6 months, a baby can be given around 2-4 ounces of water a day. The baby will mostly need this water in hot weather or when he has a fever. However, it should be kept in mind that the amount of water being given should not be significant enough to affect the amount of his breast or formula milk intake. If a baby requires water it should only be offered after he has satisfied his hunger with milk. According to Dr. Spock in Baby and Child Care, babies do not really want water till they are a year old. If the baby requires it, he won’t require more than 2-3 ounces a day.
What is the risk of giving the baby too much water?
According to physicians at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, babies should not be given water before 6 months. This is because the baby’s kidneys are not mature enough and giving him water causes him to lose excess of sodium along with water. This condition is called Water Intoxication. (Click for source.)
Dr. Jennifer Anders, a pediatric emergency physician, is of the opinion that “even when they’re very tiny, babies have an intact thirst reflex or a drive to drink. When they have that thirst and they want to drink, the fluid they need to drink more of is breast milk or formula.” When, instead, children are given extra water, they lose sodium leading to Water Intoxication. The first symptoms that a parent might notice include irritability, drowsiness, low body temperature (generally 97 degrees or less), puffiness or swelling in the face, and seizures. (ibid)
Using Safe Water.
It is important to ensure that the water you are giving your baby is safe. If you are unsure of its quality it is a good idea to boil it till the child is a year old. The water should also be tested for bacteria and nitrates. The presence of nitrates in water causes blueness of lips and skin of babies.
What if the baby does not take water beyond 6 months?
Beyond this age you might have several reasons for wanting the baby to drink more water, for example, if you are trying to get him off night feed, or he’s taking too little milk as a result of some illness, or the weather is too hot etc. If the child refuses to take plain water you could add a little sugar, honey or gripe water in it. Another technique is also to use a sippy cup and add ice cubes of different shapes in the water. This will make the water look more interesting to the baby.