Can you give infants water

Babies who are breastfed can feed more frequently because the energy content of breastmilk changes according to their feeds. If you feed your baby formula milk, you might need to offer them water in hot weather as well as the milk. Make sure you boil and cool the water before you give it to them NHS Choices, In general, your baby is getting enough to drink if they have at least six heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours. You can find out more in our how can I tell my baby is feeding well article.

Babies under six months should only drink tap water that has been boiled and cooled down. Water straight from the tap is not sterile so is not suitable for younger babies. Once your baby is six months old, you can offer them water straight from the tap in a beaker or cup. Bottled water is not recommended for babies or toddlers as it may contain too much salt or sulphate.

Older babies and toddlers who have drinks like squash or juice during the day may fill up on calories from these drinks. This reduces their appetite for milk or solids, and can make it difficult for them to get enough nutrients.

It might also lead to deficiencies over time, especially a lack of iron, which can cause anaemia NHS Choices, ; Oral Health Foundation, Squash and fruit juice are high in sugar and can contribute to tooth decay. Fruit juice is often seen as a healthy alternative to squash, but it still contains sugars and acids that can harm tooth enamel Oral Health Foundation, Children under three years of age should not have anything with artificial sweeteners in it Oral Health Foundation, If you want to offer squash or juice to your child, only give it to them sparingly, well diluted, and as part of meal times.

Drinking too much water can cause this condition. A baby who is given water under the age of 6 months may be at risk for this condition. Water intoxication requires emergency medical attention, and treatment may include intravenous electrolytes or medications. Your baby is getting all the nutrients and hydration she needs from breast milk or formula.

To make the task a bit more rewarding, download the Pampers Club app to earn rewards for your Pampers purchases. How we wrote this article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment. Some signs of dehydration may include a dry mouth fewer wet diapers fussiness sleepiness a soft spot on the head. What Is Water Intoxication in Babies?

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