Should I give my 4 month old water or juice? She is breastfeed. Does she even need water or juice right now?

Answer 1

You should absolutely *not* give a fully breastfed baby *anything* other than nursing until at least 6 months old. Giving anything else increases her risks of allergies, asthma, cancer, and probably many other things *throughout* her lifetime. It probably won't cause permanent harm or death (many people alive today *did* get early solids, etc.), but if it happens to *your* baby, it's 100%! Why risk it?

Answer 2

I introduced my daughter to a sippy cup at 6 months. Breast milk is mostly 80% water. As long as she's feeding enough there is no need. 6 months is a good age to introduce water in a sippy cup to get her used to a sippy cup only. Juice is ok for babies and adults but the fruit is much better. Juice is all sugar and I know of a baby that broke out into a rash because the parents only gave her juice, it really messed with her PH balance. I will give my daughter diluted apple juice for a treat.

Answer 3

not quite yet. i would wait until atleast 6 or 7 months... too much water for them right at this stage is not good, unbelievebly. I wouldnt start giving them juice until about 2 years. It may not seem like it is a fact, but juice has sooo much sugar and even juice is bad for a baby of any age. It is unhealthy, developes a bad habit of drinking juice, and can be one cause of constipation. You need to keep your baby healthy, so dont give them juice! And water should wait until 7 months old, too be safe. Good luck!
if it is a really really hot day, you can give them a tiny bit (a sip or two) of water from a non-leaking sippy cup.

Answer 4

Breastfeeding is basically enough for a four month old. In any case, doctors don't recommend supplementing before six months. Juice should definitely be out of the question as of now. My sixteen month old is still getting diaper rashes whenever he drinks juice.
However, warm water diluted with some sugar can definitely be positive for your baby. It will give him the sucking sensation without overfeeding him. And by slowly reducing the amount of sugar, you will be prompting your child into the habit of drinking water.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

Answer 5

Breast milk is all your baby needs right now. Usually after your baby is 6 months and older that water should be given in small amounts. No Juice yet until at least a year old. Consult with a doctor or read up in a baby book.

Answer 6

Yes for water. Breast milk is good, but it is like food only. Water is so necessary. Juices are a little trickier, but start out slowly. Only try apple juice to begin with. Don't give the baby a variety as you do not know how it will affect her system.

Answer 7

Why Babies Don't Need Water
During the first year of life, babies generally don't need water. "They don't need any additional fluids beyond formula or breast milk," says Dr. Farrell. In fact, giving infants water can be dangerous because they easily suffer from water intoxication, a condition in which their developing kidneys can't excrete water fast enough. As a result, water builds up in the body and dilutes the electrolyte balance of the blood, causing seizures, coma, even death.
"To cause water intoxication, it takes no more than three, eight-ounce bottles of water given over 12 hours," says Dr. James P. Keating, MD, McKim Marriott professor of pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Water intoxication can also happen if your baby swallows too much water during an infant swimming class.
To avoid water intoxication, simply give your baby a little extra breast milk or formula instead of water if you sense he's thirsty on especially hot days, says Dr. Keating. (Diluted formula is another cause of water intoxication. Check the label for proper mixing instructions.) And be sure to instruct caregivers to do the same. Avoid giving your baby water if he's vomiting or has diarrhea. Under those circumstances, an oral electrolyte maintenance solution such as Pedialyte may be necessary. Consult your pediatrician.

Answer 8

At today's visit to our pediatrician (6 months), I asked the same question. The answer I got was that he felt juice should NEVER be introduced. When you add strained solids and/or formula, babies get all the nutrients they need. Juice is nutritionally useless and is linked to childhood obesity. It is also hard to get kids to drink water once they are hooked on juice. He said that we could start giving water in a sippy cup or bottle now.

Good luck!

Answer 9

I have 4 children at home all over the age of 4. With all of my children I started them on clear juices and water at the age of 4 months. There is nothing wrong with it. It actually helps with thier kidney function and is also a good alternative for them. I asked my pediatrician about it and he said it was fine to start them on it at 4 months old. It also helped my kids with the digestion of solid foods that I introduced as they got older.

Answer 10

Ask your doctor but I would give about 2 ounces of water in a bottle if it is REALLY hot. I live in Los Angeles and my daughter has been getting water and juice for about 3 months now...She is 7.5 months old.

Answer 11

Nope she really doesn't need that type of stuff when being breastfed. Now when you decide to ween her off of the breast milk then you can start giving her water or juice. If you have any questions like that don't be afraid to ask her Pediatrician. But don't forget to continue to give milk products and other items high in calcium for her bones.