When can babies drink water

One of the question that always is a point of confusion for new parents is – “When to introduce Water to our Baby”.

As we all know that 0-6 months babies not required water the reason is that small babies get 80% of water from breast milk or formula milk, so no additional water required. When babies start eating solid food at 6 months they need water.

As per Doctor, under 6 month babies are not recommended water.

WATER BEFORE 6 MONTHS

To ensure good health of your baby it is important to consult your doctor. As your doctor guides you in good manner baby need water or not. But there are situation when water may be required before 6 months like:

• Sometimes any kind of physical illness cause the need of water.

• Due to some reason baby not get breast milk, in this situation solid food started earlier and the result baby need water.

• Also it depend on temperature, if it is very hot weather, then babies needs water.

How we can notice that baby need water or dehydrated

These are some common signs:

1. Dark yellow urine: This is very common sign to find that baby get dehydrate. This common sign are found in elders also, when the body dehydrate the urine turn dark yellow.
2. Lips are dried: It’s a common sign when we feel thirsty our lips get dried. Same will happened to our little babies also.
3. Unable to sleep: Babies are not able to sleep or unusual sleep can be seen.
4. Crying and unwell: Babies are too small they can’t say their problems so they cry more and give their indication that they not feeling well.

If you see the above symptoms in your baby then don’t panic, give frequently breastfeed or formula milk. It will help baby from dehydration.

How much water recommended to babies

1. New born babies don’t need water. As they get enough water from breast milk or formula milk.
2. If babies depend on formula milk, then a few sips are enough for them.
3. When baby turns to 6 months old it is mandatory to give them water.
4. Don’t give too much of water or frequently. It cause drop in sodium level in babies body.
5. Babies kidney’s are not too mature to take lot of water load, sometimes it can result into Water Intoxication problem.
6. While making formula milk be careful with measurement of milk powder and water. If you add more water it will lack of nutrition in babies.
7. 1 year babies is mature and body system are now strong enough to take load of large quantity of water.
8. The quantity of water can increase slowly as babies growing.

Being a mother, personally I would suggest you to wait for 6 months as your baby grow internally strong to take water naturally.