Why does WIC ( women,infants,children ) tell people not to give babies water but the doctors say it's okay???

Question

The people at WIC say that if babies drink water it will shut down their kidneys, why would they say that if it's not true???

Answer 1

I have been doing WIC for my children for 5 years.. They have told me that my children are to tall, over weight, etc.... and the doctor says they are just fine.. My oldest is 5 and he has been drinking water since he was 3 months old and started eating baby food. It will not hurt them.. They tell you that cause some parents would give a baby water instead of formula which babys need for all the good stuff in it....

Answer 2

Actually, from personal experience it's okay to give an infant water in small amounts. The danger of giving water to infants is when it's given in large amounts and this poses several problems such as the infant will breast feed less and this can lead to problems with the mother being unable to produce enough milk to breastfeed. Also, when an infant is given a considerable amount of water they can acquire jaundice and no parent wants this for their child so I think both the WIC office and the Pediatrician have their own reasons for telling you what they have and I'd like to think that both are true to an extent. Hope this helps and good luck with your baby.

Answer 3

My baby has been drinking water since she was a week old. The doctor told me not to give water until she was 5 months. That's bull! Babies need water. It keeps them from having digestive problems, constipation issues, and it keeps their skin so clear and less likely to get baby acne. You have to make sure the water is sterilized. Boiled for 7 minutes. And only give 2 ounces a day when they are 0 - 3 months and then increase as they get older. WIC told me that same mess, mothers have been giving their babies water for hundreds of years and they managed to make it with healthy kidneys!

Answer 4

Giving *too much* water can harm a baby's kidneys. There is no specific amount of water that qualifies as "too much" for all babies, so they say "no water". It is factual, but misleading. But babies shouldn't have *any* water--not even a *sip*--for a much simpler reason--they don't need it, and if a baby's stomach is full of water, they won't feel hungry for the actual *nutrition* they need to grow and develop.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends *nothing* but breastfeeding (or formula) for any baby until at least the age of 6 months old. On their Web site (see sources section below), they write "During the first 6 months of age, even in hot climates, water and juice are unnecessary for breastfed infants and may introduce contaminants or allergens."

Doctors tell mothers that it's okay to give water because they are misinformed. Nutrition is *optional* in medical school--if it is offered at all. And once a doctor has his credentials, she/he never needs to learn another thing about nutrition. Further, until and unless a doctor is actually negligent (resulting in harm to a patient), there is no supervision or limits on what she/he can tell patients--no matter how ridiculous.

You should also know that it doesn't matter if you give "hard water"--and *boiling* hard water will only make it *harder*!! "Hard" refers to a high density of minerals in tap water. By boiling away some of the liquid part, there will be a higher density of minerals (which do *not* boil away). And distilled water is *not* for drinking by *anyone* *ever*!! It is pure water with *no* minerals--including the minerals needed to absorb the water. It leeches the minerals out of your body, ironically leading to a high risk of dehydration. To avoid dehydration, you need water *plus* electrolytes (a combination of 3 minerals in the right balance).

If you want expert information on feeding a baby (or anyone else, for that matter!!), you need to speak to a qualified nutritionist. In the US, she/he will have an "RD" (for "registered dietician") after her/his name.

Answer 5

A baby really doesn't need water. This is how my daughter's Dr explained it.

-Water can fill them up when what they really need is nutrients from breastmilk and/or formula. Breastmilk and formula is 80% water so there is really no need for plain water.

-Water can literally dilute their blood and really screw up their electroltyes. That may be why they are saying it will shut down their kidneys.

WIC is correct. I don't think a little water will hurt which may be what the Dr is thinking. If you want to give your baby water in these really hot months find out how much is ok and how much is too much. A lot will depend on your baby's age.

Answer 6

hard water can cause kidney damage and many parents r 2 laid back these days and dont sterilize the water, the doctors often assume parents know 2 sterilize the water b4 giving the baby. babys water should b boiled 4 at least 4-7 mins so it is safe and easy on the kidneys.

Answer 7

I think they tell you that to scare you just like they tell you alot of other things that arent necessarily true! Its because they want babies to have ONLY breastmilk or formula for the first 12 months of life because water has no nutritional value and WIC is super hung up on babies weights and all that... They want them to gain as much weight as possible so if you give them water it will fill them up and they wont want their formula or breastmilk.

Answer 8

WIC is a nutrional program for children who are considered at-risk for nutritional deficiencies..my guess is that since they are qualifying your child as "at-risk" (to even be qualified for WIC you have to be considered at risk for malnutrition) they would rather see every bit of substance going into your childs stomach as nutrient rich. Water doesn't provide anything your baby really needs, nreastmilk adn formula provide 100% of your baby's hydration requirements unless you live at high altitude.

Answer 9

it is really ok to give water to a new born.as long as your very sure that its distilled water.he needs it to wash his mouth and aid in his metabolism.when the baby turns a year old you can give him purified,mineral or spring water.never give your child water frmthe faucet!!he can be ill.trust me,im a mom of a 2yr.old boy.good luck to your parenting!!!!

Answer 10

They are afraid if the child's stomach is full of water, he/she won't be hungry for milk and will miss out on the essential nutrients he/she needs.