How old does my son have to be to have water?

Answer 1

that all depends on how you feed your baby and what the doctor says i know i was told to wait till she was a year old

Answer 2

Babies should never be given water before 6 months of age - it can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes and can also lead to your baby "filling up" on water and taking less milk. This deprives him of the nutrients he needs. There is also a danger from water intoxication.

After 6 months, a formula fed baby can have a small amount of water with solid food. A breastfed baby doesn't really need any extra water, as long as he nurses regularly. A little extra water won't do any harm, though, after 6 months - although it's always best to check with your doctor. Visit this link http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/giving-water-to-baby.html for more information.

Answer 3

I started my daughter with water when the summer hit us. Its been so hot that everybody needs the refreshing drink, she was 6 months. she started 3 solid meals a day when she was 5&1/2 months old, she was stil on breastmilk but was getting constipated a bit so we decided for it (it was another factor to make me start on water). I do not feed her water by ounces but I give her a sip when I am drinking or after her meals, now as she is older she drinks as much as she wants to. I do not let her go thirsty.

It also depends how stable your baby is. If she is strong and has a good stomach, I feel it should not be a problem to start water before 1 yr. Somehow, AAP has struck with 1yrs. I don't understand why is 1 yr such a huge mile stone. Shouldn't it be per baby based? Not all the babies are weak nor all strong. Mine is 9 month old and does things equalent to much bigger babies, so should I be waiting anyways for 3 more months, even if she is ready?? Does nature wait to make them mature? I think you should follow your instincts and trust your baby.

Foremost: enjoy your baby.

Answer 4

My son began drinking plain water when we switched him to formula because he needed more water. Breast milk has a natural laxative ingredient that keeps a baby from getting constipated. In the warmer summer weather, extra fluids are a good idea. I'd say start water around 2 or 3 months old. Just give him about 2 ounces every day or two.

Answer 5

My son was on formula and I started giving him water around 2-3 months. He's currently 2 years old and loves to drink water. I do not have to force him or sweeten the water in order for him to drink it.

Answer 6

I know everything I've read says not to do it, because I'm still breastfeeding, but I started with water when my baby started on "solid" vegetables (we did cereals at 6 months and veggies at 7 months) because she's a choker and I wanted to give her something to help wash things down.

I also bring a bottle whenever we're out in the heat (taking a walk, going to the zoo etc.)

I usually only give her a couple ounces in the bottle though and that's plenty for her.

One thing about bottles that I didn't know... if the top is turned on tightly it's harder to drink out of them. My Mom always loosens the top a bit for my daughter and then she slams back 2 oz in no time at all. I keep it tight and 2 oz lasts forever with the little sips she gets.

Answer 7

giving water to your son is not going to hurt him at all. Everyone's body is made up of mostly water so its naturally healthy. They say not to give an infant water because they need the nourishment from milk to survive. If you give an infant water they will fill up on it and not drink the milk that has the nutrients in it. When you start to feed your baby rice cereal and baby food it is ok to start giving them some water in a cup. I wouldnt go overboard though. They still need room for milk and food.

Answer 8

My son's doctor said not to give plain water until he was of formula. She told me when he got sick to give nothing but Pedialyte because the electrolytes pick aid in the brain development... and breastfed babies CAN get constipated. My son did until he was put on soy, and he was getting breastmilk until 10 weeks old.

Answer 9

I gave my son water with his meals when he began using his sippy cup. I think he was around 7 months old.

Answer 10

It depends on what he eats. If he's breastfed or on formula only, he does not need extra fluids. once you start him on solids you can always offer some water to drink. He may not drink it at first, but he will learn to like it. Good luck and enjoy your little one!