Infants do not need to drink water other than breast milk

It is thought that infants drink water as well as adults. However, children who drink too much water can lead to water intoxication. 

Is it possible for my baby to drink water when he is 6 months old or in hot weather? When can babies drink water? These are issues that concern many parents. Along with aFamilyToday Health find out through this article!

Should baby drink plenty of water on summer days?

Babies don't need to drink water, but giving them a few spoons of water won't harm them. According to doctors, babies who drink milk also need to drink more water, especially in hot weather.

Breast milk provides enough water for your baby even in hot, dry weather, but formula is the opposite. Formula milk contains a higher content of salt and minerals than breast milk, so babies need to drink more water to dilute the salt. In addition, due to inefficient metabolism, formula- fed babies are more dehydrated.

Breast milk contains about 88% water while formula does not. Many doctors recommend that babies as young as 6 months old or eating rodents can drink formula. You can give water to infants but drink in moderate amounts from 60 to 90ml / day or as recommended by your doctor. Fill the bottle with water for your baby to drink.

When can my child drink water more often?

You should be careful when giving your baby water. If babies drink too much water, it can lead to water intoxication. For children under 1 year old, especially in the first 9 months of life, drinking too much water can be a dangerous habit.

According to one study, children who drink too much water reduce normal sodium levels in the body and can lead to seizures, coma, brain damage, and even death.

Breast milk or formula milk provides the nutrients your baby needs. If you feel your baby needs to drink water, you can give him 60 - 90ml of water and should only drink it after breastfeeding.

With babies under 12 months old learning to swim, be careful with the amount of water that your baby can accidentally swallow. Water intoxication can also occur from swallowing too much water while swimming.

Drinking too much water can be dangerous for your baby

Doctors at John Hopkin Children's Hospital estimate that each summer they receive 3 to 4 cases of newborn babies with severe seizures caused by water intoxication. Infants need to drink water when it's hot. Providing a baby with enough water will help prevent dehydration. However, too much water supply will disrupt the balance in the body leading to water intoxication.

Symptoms of water intoxication in infants

Changes in mental state such as irritability, confusion, or drowsiness;

Low body temperature;

Swelling of the face or swelling;

Convulsions.

Tips to encourage your baby to drink water

One way to encourage your baby to drink water is to fill the bottle with water, add some ice. The sound of rock crashes will stimulate your baby's curiosity, helping your baby enjoy drinking water. In addition, water is better for your baby's health than juice.