When is the best time to introduce water to a baby. My 5.5 month old is just having formula 4 bottles a day & on solids. Do babies need water under 6 months. When he does start on water should it be after his meal or before? I wonder if giving water prior to meal would fill him up and therefor wouldn't have apetite for milk bottle or solids. What about giving water with meal & have a break before giving bottle(milk) before bed?? Is it bad if baby fills up on food and doesn't want as much milk as he get's older?At moment he has milk before solids. When will baby want to change the order to solids then milk? Sorry that's about 10 question's in 1 go!
Thanks for all the advice. I think having water with meal makes sense. I just wondered because formula is made up of mostly water. I guess I'll be guided by baby but will start to give some with meal. Cheers!
ALL MY 4 BABIES BOTTLE FED HAD WATER FROM ABOUT 2 WEEKS OLD. I JUST THINK ABOUT MYSELF WOULD I LIKE TO BE DRINKING JUST MILK ALL THE TIME NO . ESSPECIALY {MIND MY SPELLING] IN THE HOTTER MNTHSOF THE YEAR IT NICE TO HAVE SOME WATER IT WONT HERT THEM
Usually, breastmilk is water consistency not like formula. So the baby actually does not need water until they switch to formula. It`s totally up2 u, since by now u must b already confused with too many advises.
Generally the baby doesn ´t need water as long as you breast feed during the first 4 to 6 months. (due to german guidelines)
I started giving my baby water when he was 3 weeks because it was really hot and I thought it would be just to much breastmilk feeding him when ever he lamented. I bought baby water even if not necessary I felt better using it.
Also my midwife advised papa to rather give the baby water than breastmilk when I was away for a short time.
Due to the guideline: 200 ml fluid a day starting with the age of 10 months because by then humidity ratio in baby food -compared to prior breastmilk- is humble.
I started my first son on water at about 5 months when the eather warmed up & he started solids. As they bacl off the breast (or formula) feeding due to solids they need water to keep them hydrated. I suggest starting water now in a sippy or straw cup. Give a little with meals & in between if you think he needs it. Also feeding usually goes milk first thing, breakfast, milk, lunch, milk in arvo, tea & milk before bed with water in there wherever. Hope this helps!
I would just like to add that if you have your children immunised they suggest giving your baby extra fluids including warm water so they don't dehydrate.
My babies (4 of them) have all had warm water from about 2 - 3 weeks old to help with wind. Worked a treat. They were breast fed for first few weeks and didn't need the water then.
I gave water (cool boiled of course) to both my babies from birth - it breaks up wind. They only need a couple of sips when you think they've got wind and it does make a difference. My mother had 5 kids (a long time ago now of course) and ideas have changed since then but some of the old fashioned tips still are of great benefit.
Also, if the weather is very very hot, sorry, I just dont believe that breastmilk is enough. I would always have spare bottle of cool boiled water handy each day even when fully breastfeeding and baby is not on solids. You just never know, if you need to pop out and baby is thirsty, it is just handy and it doesn't do any harm at all.
I gave mine water from about 8 weeks, but would certainly not recommend that to people as it could interfere with the feeding of the baby. She was also on solids early and again I would never suggest people do that with their own even though mine was fine with it because it can have major negative side-effects. Sorry, I don't want an argument in here but I really think that it can do harm, even if mine and yours are fine.
Breastfed babies do not need water - keep in mind that breastmilk is 88% water. Even in the first few days after birth, before mom's milk has "come in", colostrum is all that is needed to keep baby well hydrated (assuming baby is nursing effectively). Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Supplements (water, glucose water, formula, and other fluids) should not be given to breastfeeding newborn infants unless ordered by a physician when a medical indication exists... During the first 6 months of age, even in hot climates, water and juice are unnecessary for breastfed infants and may introduce contaminants or allergens."
By reducing the amount of milk they are taking in. If they have water at that age when the feeds are so close together still it is likely they will replace the milk with the water and this is what can cause harm.
I think it's time now to give your child water. Like everyone else has said, and what i also did with my child, that i watered it down at about your child's age.
Babies who are breastfed don't need water before 6 months if they are exclusively breastfed and on demand.
Babies who are fomula fed may need it from 4 months as the formula isn't of a watery consistency like breast milk is.
It's best to give a little bit of water with each meal. Have some food, wash it down with water, have a little more food, etc.
Giving water with a meal won't fill him up, giving it before may fill him up, giving it straight after he may refuse it.
He will drink less milk as he is having more water and food. It's up to the baby really when he starts eating more food and having less milk. It's also up to the baby when he changes the order of the milk/solids you are giving him. Just let the baby be your guide, I always did and Hannah's a very healthy eater and loves her water. She chooses water over everything else.
I didnt know you didnt have to give breast fed babies water ,thanks as im back to breast feeding with my 5th.
But just want to know if for some reason the baby refuses the breast but has been a while between feeds can you offer cooled boiled water or something ??
Or do you just wait till bub shows interest again.
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