2007-08-16 09:30:49 · 27 answers · asked by Makayla G 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
first day they are born, the water is in the formula, but water alone about 6-8 months
added: DUH people if you use formula, it has water in it, and even breast milk has water in it, my WIC office gave me a pamphlet and on it it asks 'When does your baby need extra water' and the answer says around 7-8 months when meats are begun, before that, breast milk and properly mixed formula has the water in it that the baby needs
2007-08-16 09:43:00 · answer #1 · answered by saraann24 5 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Well if the baby is exclusively breastfed, YOU DON'T GIVE THEM WATER!!
Breastmilk is 88% water.
It starts out thin and watery to quench the baby's thirst. This is the "foremilk." Then it gradually changes to thick and creamy to satisfy hunger. And this is called "hindmilk."
Giving water before 6 months of age poses a significant health hazard. It increases the risk of malnourishment (baby is filling up without calories, and babies need calories!). It also poses a risk for DEHYDRATION because, get this, there may be pathogens/bacteria/viruses etc. in the water, and your baby will get diarrhea and become dehydrated!
AFTER 6 months of age (or the introduction of solid foods) is when water may be introduced, though most breastfed babies do not need additional water until around a year.
Water can be given in the forms of fresh fruits, juices, or vegetables. Or it can be given boiled and cooled after a meal (but only a very small amount!! As in a sip, not a bottle!!!).
2007-08-16 17:11:37 · answer #2 · answered by E.B. 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
hi i have 3 children and a RN Friend that has 6 children and a step dad that is a DR.
U can give them water from day one. especially during the summer. newborns can dehydrate just the same as the next person. it dose feel them up alittle, but it wont hurt them as long as ur nursing or they are getting formula. never give a baby reg. milk til they r 1 yrs old, it will start health problems
make sure it is distilled water it doesn't matter where u get it from. new borns don't need that much. my children had 6oz of water when they hit 3 months. the friend RN(registered nurse) gave it to them early. my step dad says it perfectly fine as long as it is distilled and the baby get good nutation.
2007-08-16 17:01:51 · answer #3 · answered by gtt_crystal 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Some say not before 6 months. Some a year. If you are breastfeeding, there is no need. Just breastfeed. If you are formula feeding, I would ask your doctor as I don't know the safe amount. There is actually some controversy on this even among doctors. Too much water without breastmilk or formula can cause water on the brain which is very damaging. It doesn't even have to be a large amount since a baby has a much smaller volume.
2007-08-16 16:37:45 · answer #4 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Formula or breastmilk should be enough up to age 1, unless you have your baby outside and its very hot and there's a risk of dehydration. Water is not harmful, but it can fill the baby's tummy, and since it has no nutrients, its not the best thing to do on a regular basis.
2007-08-16 17:03:14 · answer #5 · answered by Lola 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
From day one if they need it. My baby was constipated when a few days old so I had to give him water to help things along.
2007-08-16 17:13:45 · answer #6 · answered by Serenity 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It differs for each infant but around 4 months old is usually when a sippy cup of plain water can be offered. About the same time that a watered down rice cereal with formula can be spooned to the infant. Dont add any sweeteners though.
2007-08-16 16:46:58 · answer #7 · answered by Heather 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Babies do not NEED water. They get plenty of hydration from breastmilk (or formula if you must). If you give a baby water, you are just filling their stomach up with nothing, when you could be hydrating AND nourishing them.
When the child's diet is no longer primarily breastmilk, then water can be used, but that should be no earlier than a year old.
2007-08-16 16:38:04 · answer #8 · answered by Bomb_chele 5 · 5⤊ 5⤋
Babies' kidneys aren't able to handle water properly at too young of an age, and shouldn't be given any until they start solids. Even then, it shouldn't be more than 2-4 oz a day in order to prevent water poisoning
2007-08-16 16:37:05 · answer #9 · answered by SirSnoozeAlot 4 · 4⤊ 5⤋
They used to have water from when they were born, but the latest ive heard is not too, i think thats rubbish personally, and id say yes they can have it, just a tiny bit obviously at first
2007-08-16 16:44:28 · answer #10 · answered by leigha 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋