Feeding babies water?

Question

what is the earliest age that it is ok to start letting babies drink water? My son is 3 months old

Answer 1

Just for your comfort and knowledge they give babies nutrient rich water in the hospital when the baby has a hard time getting the breast milk started. So giving the baby distilled water is ok even from birth, i did for mine and they both did well with it. Given 4 ounces inbetween milk feedings is good for their system. As they get older like 6 months increase to 8 oz inbetween other feedings. For example you feed at 8am then at 10 am give distilled water, then 12 noon feeding, then 2 pm distilled water again. At 9 to 12 months increase water another 4 ounces between feedings. During this time you will be slowly increasing food and decreasing milk to 4 times a day - breakfast ; lunch ; afternoon snack ; supper ; which you would keep up that amount for all of childhood 8 oz each time. As the child gets older it don't have to continue to be distilled.

Water is one of the most important things our body needs, which is at least 8 - 8oz glasses a day for adults, minimum. It helps our body to function properly.

Answer 2

Regardless if your baby is breast fed or formula fed, both contain ample water to keep a baby suitably hydrated regardless of the temperature. If an infant requires more fluids extra nursing or an extra formula bottle is all he/she needs. Any time a baby's tummy is filled with plain water he/she will be less likely to consume the needed breast milk or formula he/she needs for nutritional value. A baby's system, especially his kidneys, are still maturing and may have trouble processing additional water. There is a rare yet potentially deadly thing called water intoxication that babies under 6 months can suffer from. It is generally recommended for a healthy baby that no extra water should be given until the baby begins to eat solids, which will vary in age, but is usually around 4-6 months. Until solids are introduced, a baby gets all the nutrients and water he/she needs from formula and/or breast milk. Always make your final decision of what is right for your baby after getting advice from your pediatrician. Here are a few websites about babies and water. http://pediatrics.about.com/od/weeklyquestion/a/04_baby_water.htm
http://www.todaysparent.com/baby/foodnutrition/article.jsp?content=1240
http://www.purehealthybaby.com/Water_156.html

Answer 3

I gave my daughter water when we started her on solid foods at 4 months. I would only give a child water if you know that they are already full becuase they need the nutrients of formula or breast milk. I would make a quick phone call to the doc just to make sure when it is safe it is not like they will make you come in to see them for an appt. I understand wanting to give a baby water in the heat because you dont want them to become dehydrated. My daughter loves water, probably because i dont give her juice so she does not know that there are sweeter drinks out there.

Good luck

Answer 4

I don't think there's any magic age for drinking water but I would definitely make sure the baby isn't filling up on water in place of a formula or breast milk feeding.

My daughter had water for the 1st time around 7 months. I put it in her sippy cup so she could practice using one.

Answer 5

That is when most pediatritians start them on water... but I would only start with an ounce or 2 a day to start... and don't let the baby try to take the water over normal feedings.... But check with your doctor before just to make sure that it is ok.

Answer 6

just after they are born. I have 3 children and I delivered all 3 in a Brooklyn NY hospital and they made sure that the baby had some water before it was discharged from the hospital... my baby is 6 and now I live in PA and a good friend of mine had twins and said that doctor said she shouldn't give them water till the are 6 months old I have never heard of anything like that before...

Answer 7

They say its best to ease infants into drinking water about 5 months old.....Start with about an ounce a day in their bottles, then slowly increase. You dont want to substitute water for milk becasue they still need all the nutrients they can get.

Answer 8

I was told with both my children by two different doctors in two different regions of the country that they get plenty of water in their formula or breast milk and it is not necessary, however it will not hurt them either. If you give them water just make sure they are getting their milk or formula first.

Answer 9

I really wouldnt recommend them drinking tap water (especially with the dam levels being low) buy bottles water, i really dont think its to young to start, especially when our bodys are made up of like 60-80% of water, it really doesnt make sence not to give them water

Answer 10

now, anytime, it doesnt matter, have ever gave him nursery water, its special water for babies and toddlers. water is very good for him, especially if he likes it. my son would never just drink water, so its a good thing! oh and the nursery water you can get at any grocery store with the bottled water.