feeding a three week old water?

Question

i've heard that it's ok to feed to infants water. at what age should i start introducing water and do i need to add sugar to it? if so , how much sugar?

Answer 1

A big NO on the water. Even pedialyte type products should have a pediatrician's approval before you give some. Remember that a newborn's stomach is still really tiny. Breastmilk or formula have plenty of hydrating power.

Answer 2

I'm not an expert on raising babies, though I am a mother to a 10 month old and have had a lot of feeding issues with him. Most ped. Dr's suggest starting water at around 6 months of age but some mom's choose to start giving water even as early as 2 weeks. The only real danger/problem with this is that the more water you give your baby, the less there is room for formula or breast milk. Water has no calories in it and milk is packed with calories to sustain your growing baby. If you are feeding the proper amount of breast milk/formula, your baby does not need water as he/she is getting all the fruids needed in the milk. Adding sugar may add some calories to the water and will help if your baby has low blood sugar or is constipated, but otherwise you will simply be feeding empty calories which is not healthy for your new little one. Also, if you are breast feeding, the more water your baby drinks, the less he will want to breast feed and your milk supply may go down. Good luck.

Answer 3

Whether a baby is being fed breast milk or formula he/she receives all the water needed from both. Formula and breast milk contain a lot of water. Infants have a risk of developing a serious, life-threatening condition called water intoxication caused by too much water in their immature system which can't process it. It is not necessary for any baby to have water until after 6 months old. No sugar is needed and absolutely no honey until your baby is at least 12-18 months old. Babies can get botulism from honey, again because their systems are still maturing and can not fight the botulism spores sometimes present in honey. It is not OK to feed infants water additionally because their tummies are so tiny that if you fill it up with water containing no nutrients, they will not be hungry for the formula and/or breast milk that is imperative to their growth and survival. Wait until your baby is eating solids well, can sit up and drink water from a sippy cup with a meal or a snack.

Answer 4

Feeding water is kind of an old school thing. It is currently not recommended that they have water til after 6mo or longer. I think ppl give water to save on formula. But your baby is growing, they triple their birth weight in the first year and this is the only time in their life that they grow so fast in such a short time period. The water has no nutrients and can cause electrolyte imbalances.
Babies do not need sugar added to anything.
If you are still unsure, ask your pediatrician.

As far as the honey goes (that someone answered to add) DO NOT EVER GIVE HONEY TO A BABY UNDER 1 year. It can cause botulism and they can be very sick or die.

Answer 5

Your baby doesn't really need extra water before 6 months, it should be getting all the hydration it needs from either you breast feeding or bottle feedings. Unless you see that your infant is having fewer wet diapers then you might want to give a little water or an extra feeding, or during a hot summer day its OK too but make sure you don't give to much that it supplements a feeding but there is never a need to put sugar in the water either and please don't give your baby honey that can cause botulism.

Answer 6

No, it's not ok to feed an infant water. Wait until a year (I believe) since breast milk or formula is the only thing you should be giving them. Giving them water is old school and they've since decided against it being a good thing. NEVER add sugar. If the baby has issues, talk to your pedi.

Answer 7

Babies should NOT have water. It's actually dangerous for them!! At this age they receive all the fluids they need through formula or breast milk. If you are worried about the heat, just offer an additional bottle or breast milk. If you breastfeed, make sure YOU are well hydrated to keep your milk production up :)

" Too much water dilutes a baby's normal sodium levels and can lead to seizures, coma, brain damage and death. Breast milk or formula provides all the fluid healthy babies need. Since the brain is the organ most susceptible to water intoxication, a change of behavior is usually the first symptom in older children. They may become confused, drowsy or inattentive. They also may suffer from blurred vision, muscle cramps and twitching, poor coordination, nausea and vomiting, irregular breathing and weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician. "
http://www.stlouischildrens.org/tabid/88/itemid/166/Water-Intoxication-in-Infants.aspx

Answer 8

I have an 11 month old and Dr. said not to give her any water or juice until she was at least a year because she needs all the breast milk or formula she can get. Water or juice may fill your child up and make them not consume as much breast milk/ formula and they need. Also you do not want to introduce sugar until much later it is not good for babies.

Answer 9

Feeding water is not recomended by the Academy of Pediatrics Association. At three weeks all your baby needs is breast milk/formula. Once you are able to introduce cereal or other baby food solids (usually around 6 months) water may be introduced, but not to the point of replacing breast milk or formula.

Answer 10

Well I gave my girls water, never fed them water but I think I started them on it when they were about 3 to 4 months and I would only give them like 1oz. a day. I never put anything like sugar or honey just plain water, you know the ones you see at the store in a gallon and it has a picture of a baby in the front, well that's the kind of water I gave them. Hope that works for you!