When Can I Start Giving My Baby Water?
In the early days of your baby’s life, they need nothing more than breastmilk or formula to receive all of their hydration and nutrition. As they get older, they will eventually turn to solids and water. But you need to be sure you aren’t giving your baby water too soon!
If you give your baby water too soon, it can lead to health issues. While water is a refreshing and healthy beverage for adults, it can be fatal for infants if given too young or in excess. Continue reading to learn when to safely start giving your baby water.
What Age to Give a Baby Water
A lot of parents are unsure of when to give their baby water for the first time. In the past, there was not as much knowledge as there is today about a baby’s health and wellness. This meant that human babies were given animal milk and other substances that we know today were dangerous for them!
With the advancement of research, we are aware now that any water before six months old can be detrimental to a baby’s health. At six months old and younger, your baby needs nothing more than formula or milk to keep them fed and healthy!
Once your baby hits six months old, you can safely give them between 4-8 ounces of water a day. Keep in mind this should not be given all at once and should be broken up throughout the day.
Why Avoid Water Until Six Months Old?
Under the age of six months old, your baby’s organs are not designed to process water the way an adult would, as water can cause a sodium imbalance in their body. Babies require only breastmilk or formula to keep them fed and hydrated. If you introduce water too early, it can cause extreme health problems.
How to Tell a Baby is Hydrated
A top concern of most parents is making sure that their baby is well-fed and hydrated. Especially as a new parent, it can be confusing to know if your baby has had enough milk. I personally stressed out about this more than I should’ve with my first baby!
To tell if your baby has had enough milk, you must monitor their diapers. If your baby has at least six wet diapers in a 24-hour time period with pale urine, it means that they are hydrated. If you notice that your baby hasn’t reached this goal, it might be a good idea to increase their milk intake or give them a little water if they are older than six months old.
This is especially important during hotter weather. As the temperature increases, your baby will begin sweating more than usual, causing a decrease in bodily fluids. Be sure to carefully monitor their wet diapers, as they will probably need more to milk to replenish the fluids they lose!
This is also true for babies who are running a fever. They will need more fluids than on an average day. If your baby is running a fever and experiencing dehydration, you may notice that they have:
A dry mouth and tongue
Crying without tears
No wet diaper in three hours
Unusual sleepiness
Irritability
Sunken eyes
If you notice any of these symptoms, give your baby more fluids and consult their physician.
What Not to Give a Baby
Unfortunately, not all drinks are created equal. While milk should be the main beverage your child enjoys until the age of one, they can begin drinking small amounts of water at six months old.
It may be tempting to allow them to try other beverages, but you should avoid any drinks other than milk and water. Some of the liquids your baby should avoid include:
Unpasteurized drinks
Sugar-sweetened drinks
Caffeinated drinks
Rice milk
Fruit juice and smoothies
Until your baby is one year old, try to avoid all of the drinks listed above. They have no benefit or nutritional value and will only disrupt their bodily system.
How to Introduce Water to Older Children
When you offer your child water for the first time, they may not enjoy it. They’re used to the sweetness of their breast milk or formula! It’s completely normal if your little one doesn’t want to drink a few ounces of water in one sitting.
Provide your baby over the age of six months with two ounces of water at a time. They may take sips here and there but not drink the entire amount at one time. That’s okay! Continue to offer it to them, and they should eventually understand that the drink is meant for them.
If you have a stubborn child like mine, as long as they are over a year old, you can begin cutting water with a low-sugar drink. I typically will put 2 ounces of sugar-free juice in a cup with four ounces of water. It gives the water just a little bit of a flavored taste and encourages them to drink it!
Monitor Your Baby’s Water Intake with Baby Connect
Everyone drinks water – it’s a refreshing drink that keeps you hydrated. While it is important to sustain life, it is also important to make sure you aren’t introducing it to your baby too early!
Before your baby is six months, they should not have water in their diet. After this, though, you can begin to slowly incorporate it into their daily routine. With Baby Connect, you can easily track how much water your baby is drinking to avoid giving them too much!
