Drinking Water for Infants and Babies

　　Hydration Guidelines for Infants and Babies

　　Newborns fare well on formula or breast milk, but it is recommended to refrain from giving them water until they are around 6-12 months old. Excessive water consumption can lead to jaundice or intoxication. Infants below one year of age may risk lowering their sodium levels dangerously with too much water. Breast milk or formula adequately fulfills a healthy infant’s fluid requirements, with breast milk consisting of 88% water. Providing water to newborns, especially those younger than 4-5 weeks, can be dangerous, and infants under two months should not be given additional water to prevent oral water intoxication and to avoid reducing their interest in breastfeeding, which might delay the mother’s milk production and impact the baby’s weight gain.

　　For babies who have moved past the newborn phase, an overabundance of water can interfere with breastfeeding by making the baby feel full without providing essential nutrients. When babies are learning to use a cup, it’s permissible to offer them small amounts of water occasionally. As they start on solid foods, a few sips of water can aid in digestion.

　　While breastfeeding is highly encouraged, some mothers opt for or require formula due to health considerations. In these situations, the water used to prepare the formula is crucial. The World Health Organization states that the minerals in drinking water can notably add to an infant’s mineral intake, especially for formula-fed babies who might be more prone to high levels of nutrients or contaminants.

　　Formula comes in ready-to-drink and powdered forms that need to be mixed with water, emphasizing the importance of water safety. Shockingly, infants may absorb 40-60% of their lead exposure from drinking water, leading to serious health concerns. Other contaminants, including nitrates, chlorine, aluminum, and fluoride, are also a worry. Consequently, many formula producers recommend using bottled or boiled water, and homes with water purification systems provide extra security.

　　In hot weather, babies may lose additional water without urinating, so offering 1-2 ounces of water between feedings might be suitable. Nevertheless, most babies will do well with a bit more formula, and breastfed infants typically require even less additional water. A newborn should urinate at least once every 24 hours, twice in the next 24 hours, and three times a day subsequently. Any dehydration concerns should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider.

　　For toddlers, consuming pure water can benefit dental health. While many toddlers request a bottle to fall asleep, replacing juice or milk with water can help prevent tooth decay.

　　TodaysParent.com points out that until babies start consuming solid foods, their nutritional needs are met through breast milk and formula. However, once they start drinking from a cup, water is a preferable option to juice for satisfying thirst, promoting healthy habits from an early age. Parenting may be challenging, but seeing children grow up healthy makes the endeavor worthwhile.