Why cant new borns drink water?

Question

I heard that you cant give a baby water until they are 3 months old. All they could have before that is milk. Does anyone know why.

Answer 1

From Dr. Sears:

"Does my breastfeeding baby need bottles of water?"

Breastfeeding babies do not need extra water, though formula-fed babies often do. Your breastmilk contains enough water for your baby, even in hot, dry climates. Formula contains higher concentrations of salts and minerals than breastmilk does, so that extra water is often necessary for the kidneys to excrete the extra salt. Also, because of less efficient metabolism, formula-fed infants lose more water. In breastfed babies, not only is extra water unnecessary, giving bottles of water to quench baby's thirst may also lessen the desire to breastfeed. This will interfere with the balance between mother's milk supply and baby's demand. Bottles of water are also likely to cause nipple confusion. A baby who is too warm or thirsty, but not hungry, can satisfy his need for more water by feeding more frequently and just enough to get the watery foremilk, but not necessarily the creamier hindmilk. Breastfeeding babies are great self-thirst-quenchers.

Answer 2

One of the reasons why infants shouldn't have plain water, is because it offers no nutritional value and it can alter their electrolyte imbalance if too much water is given or if its given too often. Infants dehydrate quicker than we do and they're electrolye balance can be thrown off way faster than ours. If you were to drink nothing but water, you would be ok b/c your body would be able to compensate and you'd still be getting your nutrients from food and what you're body has stored. Infants don't have that luxury, yet. For example, hyponatremia (not enough sodium) occurs when a person has had too much water, among other reasons. If that happens, the person can have symptoms of confusion, weakness, and even seizures. That's just one example of why it's important to include those necessary electrolyes in our system. Additionally, too much water can cause liver damage and water intoxication. And since a newborn's body is up to 80% water, too much isn't actually very much at all.

Second, the infant doesn't have proper immunity built up yet. If they received breastmilk, than they at least have what the mother is passing. But other than that, they're helpless. If you gave your baby water that contained any type of bacteria, you could be introducing that bacteria into a baby that isn't able to fight it properly. Also, drinking nothing but distilled water isn't good either, because distilled water is clean...but is also doesn't contain flouride among other things. It's a decent medium to mix formula in, but I wouldn't just fill a bottle with water and feed it to your baby. Giving your baby a bottle of water isn't going to kill your baby, don't get me wrong! It's just not suggested, b/c some people would think it's ok and just use water as a filler. That is definitely NOT ok with a newborn. When the baby gets older than it should be ok, but as a newborn they need all the nutrients they can possibly get for their body to grow properly. If you short-change them on that, there may be unfortunate consequences later. I hope that didn't scare you, I just want you to know that it's not advisable to make a habit of giving newborns water rather than formula or breastmilk.

Answer 3

OK this is a very good question.World Health Organization and all ministries of health adopt the program of"Exclusive Breast Feeding" at least 4 months.That means the baby should be fed only breast milk for 4 to 6 months.
The recommend that because there are many studies showed the benefits of this practice.For example breast milk is cheap,clean,easy to be prepared and it can protect from infection.Also it can give some sort of emotional contact between the baby and the mother.

Answer 4

"In fact, giving infants water can be dangerous because they can easily suffer from water intoxication, a condition in which their developing kidneys can't excrete water fast enough. As a result, water builds up in the body and dilutes the electrolyte balance of the blood, which can cause seizures, coma, or even death."

small amounts of water will not hurt, but this is the reason you may hear that water can be dangerous.

Answer 5

Breast milk or formula is enough nutrition and hydration for an infant. Offering water will only fill their tummy and not offer the nutrients required for their rapid growth.

Answer 6

The reason my pediatrician gave me was they are already receiving enough water through either formula or breast milk... she did tell me that if my baby became constipated he could drink a little... the way I understand it they just don't get any nutrition from water alone so it's not necessary.

Answer 7

I never heard of that in my life. The hospitals even sent home baby glass water bottles for the baby. My daughter has drank water since she was born(24 years ago). I guess they come up with something new all the time. Back then they told us mothers to add a teaspoon of light Karo syrup so the baby did not get constipated from the formula. I have always taken the advice from my mother regarding raising babies

Answer 8

Totally false, in fact a few ounces of water from a bottle is good for any baby. Just make sure the water is sterile.

Answer 9

a little cooled boiled water does no harm, babies do get thirsty (more so bottle fed babies). also when it's hot they could get dehydrated, They may not need a feed (breast or bottle) but still need a little drink.......you don't give lots that way it does not fill them up........
Adults sometimes feel hungry when i fact they are thirsty, and babies are the same.........
a bottle of formular although contains quite a lot of water it does not quench a thirst very well

Answer 10

It can mess with their electrolytes and kidney function. Breast milk has a proportion of water that it just right for a newborn in order to quench their thirst and formula milk too if it's made up in the right proportions.