Baby Feeding
<p><b>When can a baby start drinking water?</b></p><p>We know that drinking water plays a crucial part in staying healthy. Water prevents dehydration and keeps your vital organs functioning.</p>
<p>But what about babies? How much water should they be drinking?</p>
<p>Little ones generally don’t need water for the first few months. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding as an optimal way to feed your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as feeding the infant with breastmilk alone for the first six months of life. You baby is allowed to take drops of vitamins, minerals, and Oral Rehydration Solution, if prescribed.</p>
<p><b>Why is water not suitable for babies younger than six months? </b></p>
<p>Before six months, breastmilk or formula is both food and drink for your baby. It’s all they need, yes, even on hot days. Giving your baby water can result in them drinking less breastmilk or formula. This can put them at risk of not getting enough milk or formula to grow properly. Giving your baby a lot of water or excessively diluted formula over a short time can also make them very unwell</p>
<p><b>So, when can your baby drink water? </b></p>
<p>It’s best to wait until you’ve started solids, around six months old. You can start solids between four and six months, but experts recommend waiting until your baby is closer to six months in most cases.</p>
<p>Once your baby starts drinking water, offer a little at a time from a sippy cup if they take it. This will help them learn to drink from a cup and it can also help prevent constipation due to new foods in the system.</p>
<p>Offer small amounts of water but don’t replace breastmilk or formula feeds as they should be the main drink up to 12 months of age.</p>
<p><b>Here’s why you should wait:</b></p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Water feedings tend to fill up your baby, making them less interested in nursing. This could contribute to weight loss and elevated bilirubin levels.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Providing water to your newborn could result in water intoxication, which can dilute the other nutrient levels in the baby’s body.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Too much water causes their kidneys to flush out electrolytes, including sodium, leading to imbalances.</p>
<p>Your baby may be ready take their first sip of water at six months. However, it’s important to note that newborns, infants, and toddlers have very different hydration needs than adults.</p>
<p>With the help of your doctor, you’ll find suitable ways to help your child if you’re concerned they’re not getting enough fluids due to being ill or hot weather.</p>
