2006-08-14 02:30:17 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
No. Too much water can overload a baby's kidneys, and *nobody* knows how much is too much. Also, it has no nutritional value, and it can make baby not feel hungry for the food she/he really needs.
2006-08-14 04:24:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I found this info. for you:
2000 Pediatric Health News Releases
July 13, 2000 - Avoid Giving Infants Water, Advise Children's Physicians
CINCINNATI -- Water may be essential for children, adolescents and adults to keep hydrated in the summer heat, but for infants, too much water can be life-threatening.
"Breast milk or formula is the only source of nutrition that infants need," says Michael Farrell, M.D., a gastroenterologist and chief of staff at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati. "During the first months of life, too much water can upset the electrolyte balance, setting off possible brain swelling and seizures from water intoxication."
In addition, too much water can fill infants' stomachs so they don't get the nutrients they need to grow. This is particularly common in families that cannot afford formula or may dilute it to make it last longer.
Dr. Farrell suggests avoiding water entirely until a child is about 6 months old. If an infant has diarrhea and vomiting, he suggests oral rehydration fluids, such as Pedialyte® or Infalyte®.
2006-08-14 11:45:09 · answer #2 · answered by Jacob's Mommy (Plus One) 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Infants under the age of 6 months do not require anything but breast milk and/or formula. As the baby begins eating solids, then offering him/her some water in a sippy cup is fine. An infant getting all his/her nutrition from breast milk and/or formula will eat poorly if his tiny tummy is filled with water. There is no need to worry about dehydration with infants who are nursing or bottle-feeding OK as both breast milk and formula contain a lot of water. A small amount of water will not harm the baby, but it is not necessary.
2006-08-14 10:12:28 · answer #3 · answered by sevenofus 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely........great idea especially when the weather is hot...I would stick with Bottled Water until baby is a little older. Obviously you dont want baby to drink too much...and replace formula....just judge amounts by BM's... A few ounces a day when there younger is a great idea...it's a lifeskill that if learnt early will hopefully go with baby through life. Too many kids nowadays drink way, way too much juice, pop and water....when truly 90% of what they should be drinking is good old water! I'm lucky my three children love water...and like you I started young. I nursed all my kids but suplemented with water also... Good luck.......Take care.....God Bless. L.Butler
2006-08-14 09:50:27 · answer #4 · answered by Lynne B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's not necessary, but i always have. to get them used to it, and to give them a change. never cold though-it makes belly cramp. hiccups are common in babys after feedings and no need to give more milk and until they can handle juice, why not water? awater is life, kids don't drink enough water- too many sports drinks, juiceboxes, new kool-aid flavors. too much sugar in everything anymore. kids are getting diabetes at an astonishing rate, look at all the obese children in america, it's disgusting that parents can be so unsure of the childs needs that food is the replacement for good parenting skills.
2006-08-14 09:54:32 · answer #5 · answered by groverlovers 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How young is the child?
Very young babies are at risk of water intoxication. (This can be SERIOUS.) I would NOT suggest giving water to a child younger than 6 months.
Breastmilk or formula should provide all the water that a baby needs. They are mostly water! The AAP suggests NOTHING else before 6 mos of age.
Also, babies are growing so fast! They are trying to double birthweight by 6 mos. You DO NOT want to fill a baby up on empty calories like water! Babies need ONLY breastmilk or formula so that they can grow!
2006-08-14 09:39:38 · answer #6 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, water is essential for the baby. However, all those people who are telling you NOT to give it tap water are giving you misinformation. Water out of the tap isn't bad for the baby, in fact, it has essential minerals in it that the baby needs. City water is treated with fluoride. If you are not going to give the baby tap water, definitely supplement the nutrients you are taking away from the baby by not.
I never heard of "baby water" but if it has the nutrients in it, hey, give it a try. But otherwise, stay away from the bottled water or provide the necessary minerals via drops or vitamins.
2006-08-14 09:39:11 · answer #7 · answered by Zelda 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO Sorry but please dont I am a mom who has a child with hydroceplis(water on the brain) I was told give a small baby water could cause water on the brain wait until a year old
2006-08-15 07:05:04 · answer #8 · answered by LEON W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is fine. Just give them the baby water it is healthy for the gums. I gave my baby water when she was a couple of weeks and she is almost 2 and she loves it. We all need water. It will not harm your baby.
2006-08-14 09:33:20 · answer #9 · answered by spice2621 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Only if they are eating baby food, otherwise they will get full on water and not get enough nutrition from the breast milk or formula they need.
2006-08-14 09:40:07 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ to ...... 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋