Can I give my 1 1/2 month old baby water? If so, how much?

Crystal - posted on 05/25/2011

I would talk to your dr dont give him water he is way to young and it could make him very sick my friend almost lost her newborn to this because she was told giveing him water was ok i would talk with the doc you may need to switch formulas i had to switch with mine and started using enfamil gental ease no more problems

Heather - posted on 08/11/2010

Here is a link to helpful information about water poisoning: http://health.utah.gov/wic/pdf/resources...
I never recommend water before 6 mo. of age. Usually babies that suffer from constipation have a lactose intolerance, or the formula is being to packed before mixing with the water. Hope that helps

LeeAnn - posted on 05/18/2010

My son has problems with constipation, for him, water didn't help. He's not truly constipated if his stools aren't hard, and I mean rock hard, my pediatrician said this, "hold a mirror in front of yourself when you go and see what you look like." You can judge if he's constipated just by looking at him. Talk to your pediatrician, but mine said Karo syrup (just a drop) in 1-2 bottles a day, just make sure you get a reputable brand. He also said if that didn't work to get Miralax in the 17gram packets and put just a little in one bottle a day until he poops. I did the karo syrup and it worked until he was about 4 months old, then I used about 1/3 of a miralax packet in 1 bottle every 3 days. My father and stepmom also recommended flax oil, as it has a laxative affect, but is all natural. Now Andrew is old enough to feed him prunes, so we've gone that route

Brittany - posted on 05/18/2010

I was told by my sons pediatrician, not to give him water until he was over 6 months old, they can't hold onto all of the electrolytes their bodies need if its being fulshed out with water. I would try just rubbing his belly some and possibly changing his formula... breast milk also tends to constipate babies, so if you are breast feeding you might wanna toss a formula bottle in there and see if that helps. Good luck!

Cherry Mae - posted on 05/18/2010

a breastfeed infant should not be given water...if she's constipated, i suggest she must be 100% breastfeed because breast milk prevents constipation...

Hannah - posted on 05/17/2010

And just to add, If its hurting him, then you DO need to do something!!
See your dr if you're worried about taking anyones advice.
And if he is on formula, maybe he needs a different brand?

Hannah - posted on 05/17/2010

A small amount of prune juice works wonders!

Some babies just have trouble, My daughter was one of them!

Once he's 4- 6 months, start him on baby fruit!

Bernadeth - posted on 01/03/2010

Hi Mirta! My kids pediatrician always advice me to give at least 1 or 2 oz of water every after feeding when my kids were at that age. It also helps to cleanse your baby's mouth, to wash the excess milk after feeding. If this will not help, then it could be the formula.You ask your doctor about it..Happy new year! :)

Andi - posted on 01/03/2010

You could try rubbing his belly, or trying a different formula. My son had the same problem and we switched him to Gentle-Ease and he didn't have a problem after that.

Crystal - posted on 01/02/2010

Quoting Kelsey: I agree! Talk to the doctor before anything....don't listen to anyone telling u to give your baby juice or water! Your baby is much to young! Please, call your babies doctor!

Quoting Christina:

I can't believe some of the answers on here. NEVER give a 1.5 month old baby water or juice unless your doctor recommends it (he probably won't either).

Mirta, if he is breastfed, he is probably not constipated. He is probably just learning to use his bowels like Sarah said. It is normal for a breastfed baby go up to 5 days without pooping. If it's wet and normal looking when it comes out, he is definitely not constipated. Constipated poop looks hard and dry.

If he is formula fed, call your doctor and ask about switching formulas. Soy formula made my oldest son have hard, uncomfortable poop. But, when he was switched back to a regular cow's milk based formula is was moist and normal again.

But, please please do not give your baby water, corn syrup or juice without first consulting your doctor. I seriously cannot believe people on here told you to give a 1 and a half month old water and juice.

I agree! A 1 and a half month old is much too young to resort to changing their diet! (unless its switching formula)They are still getting used to digesting, and can often become a little constipated in the process. Even when your baby is old enough for a little water, juice, etc, just be safe and wait to see your doctor before changing anything. And DONT use karo syrup. The nurse on the nurses line when I called for the same problem, said it is bad for their digestion. I always visit my doc or at least call the nurses line at my clinic before I make decisions like that. Im all for being laid back and not always going by the book, but when it comes to this, its important to be careful! Be patient, it could be temporary.

Brandy - posted on 01/02/2010

I personaly dont think water will help.You can try prune juice and apple juice and water it down some.My sister's daughter had problems giong to the bathroom and the prune juice helped alot!

Glory - posted on 01/02/2010

my daughter just had a baby girl three months ago..I was surprise to hear that drs. advice no water...that's a crock..I gave all my babys water when they where born and nothing happen..sometimes they get hicups and water helps..also if you only give them formula their tongue gets really a white film...and soes not go away..my advice to you is after feeding the baby, give the baby a little water just to wash away any formaula left in their mouth so they don't get that white film on their little tongue....

Tina - posted on 01/02/2010

Go to the pharmacy and buy pure olive oil. Put about 6 drops in his morning bottle. Also we have a cereal here called Cerelac Gold Oats and prunes. My little one has a bowl every morning and she is very reqular now. Good luck!

Amanda - posted on 01/02/2010

Karo syrup worked for both of my kiddos... I just added a small amount of it to their bottle of formula once a day for a about a week to get them regulated; that is what the pediatrician told me to do.

Joy - posted on 01/02/2010

I was a nursing mom as well, no water for them... but with a formula fed baby, they may have "reactons" or sensitivities to the type you are using, or the water used to mix it...You may want to try a new type, or hold him against you, using your breast against his tummy area the next time you see him straining...baby massage, you're just getting used to him, maybe just patience... God bless.

Megan - posted on 01/02/2010

I don't think you are supposed to give them any water until they start drinking from a sippy cup. My sisters pediatrician told her, apple juice, two ounces at a time, up to four in a day. Are you breast feeding?

Amanda - posted on 01/01/2010

the doctors say to not give babys water cause they get enough water with there formula but when mine get constipated i use supostitories not sure if i spelled that right

Nicole - posted on 01/01/2010

My son's Doctor said that giving babies water is not a good idea. If formula fed, their diet is made up of primarily water and adding straight water to that could end them in the hospital. Apparently it is a common mistake that parents make. I have talked to mothers that have given their babies water and they were fine, but I didn't want to take that chance.

I use supositories when my son is constipated or you can buy oral infant stool softener

Huda - posted on 01/01/2010

Hi

am new here and I like to join you in this subject since my mother in-law always asking and insisting me to give my few days baby water that he does not like, I search about this and found if you are giving breast milk only that will be enough,since it has less waste products and about 90% water which your baby need, but with other kinds of milk you need to give water to supply his body and to help your babys kidneys to get rid of waste .

Huda - posted on 01/01/2010

Hi

am new here and I like to join you in this subject since my mother in-law always asking and insisting me to give my few days baby water that he does not like, I search about this and found if you are giving breast milk only that will be enough,since it has less waste products and about 90% water which your baby need, but with other kinds of milk you need to give water to supply his body and to help your babys kidneys to get rid of waste .

Debi - posted on 01/01/2010

Do you Breast feed or bottle feed that makes a big difference. Also I have kept lots of kids in my time mine or now bigger but water at that age is not something he needs, leg exercise, warm baths, tummy rubs. Will all help but if you breast feed then it might be something you are eating that could be the culprit dairy is what made mine get it. If you are formula feeding it could be he needs a different kind but I think you should try other options before changing formula. Good luck and God bless

Amy - posted on 01/01/2010

I had this same problem with my 5th child. His pediatrician told me to give him 1oz of prune juice once a day. Also if he looks like he is trying to go and nothing is happening, try putting Vaseline on the end of a Q Tip and insert just the cotton tip inside his butt. When I did that along with the juice, after about a week I didn't have to do it anymore. If it doesn't work, you might try changing his formula. If he is formula fed. Hope this helps.

Kara - posted on 01/01/2010

My baby is constipated also. We add prune juice to every bottle, about 1 tbl. Once she was getting better we did the prune juice according to how she was doing. Sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less. We also gave her water with prune juice, maybe a 1/2 ounce once a day, just a few sips from a bottle. It really helped!

Holly - posted on 01/01/2010

I have always been a believer in not giving my babies water. I have always thought that they need the nutrition from the formula/breast milk, especially a 1 1/2 month old baby. Water would fill their bellies. Ask your doctor of course but that is what I think. I had my middle daughter on Soy formula and that made her constipated but she was fussy on Enfamil. My doctor said pick your poison, do you want a baby that is fussy or constipated. I hope this helps.

Christina - posted on 01/01/2010

i had a problem with my first born being constipated from like birth to about 3 or 4 months and the drs kept telling me it was normal and blah b lah blah. but the whole water thing it wont help his constipation it'll just make him pee a lot more. i dont know what kind of formula your giveing the baby but look into something without a lot of iron thats what usually does it for babies. a lot of drs wont give u formula with less iron unless u prove its gonna help your child so be persistent and ty different kinds of formula till you find the one that works. hope this helps some.

Choy Lian - posted on 01/01/2010

When my daughter used to get constipated, our pediatrician recommended we put 1 teaspoon of Karo syrup with her formula. That worked for us. I still think the best thing to do is check with your pediatrician. Hope your little bundle of joy feels better soon.

Casey - posted on 01/01/2010

As a mom and a nurse, I can tell you...giving your baby water is just fine in small doses (4 oz or less), and will most likely help your situation. Our bodies are made up of mostly water to begin with, and the enviornment he just moved from consists of a great deal of water.

Allison - posted on 12/31/2009

Whenever my son was constipated at that age we would make a bottle and put Karo syrup (just a tsp) in a 4-6 oz bottle. It helps a lot. I only have gave my son water once, and he was 4 months old then. He didn't like it, so I don't give him just plain water anymore.

Ashley - posted on 12/31/2009

NO!! call your doctor!

Kim - posted on 12/31/2009

Do not give your baby water unless your pediatrician says it's okay. Some babies do get constipated. Other than giving your baby a warm bath, there's not much you can do without checking with your pediatrician first.

Colleen - posted on 12/31/2009

NO!!!! YOur baby gets enough water with the formulas and you dont want him not to want to drink his formula! There is a baby elax you can use or ask your Dr Im sure he can give you a safe tip!!!

Michelle - posted on 12/31/2009

yes you can give him water a little at a time. And it does help. You can give him a teaspoon of syrup every 4 hours or so, if he is still having problems take him to the doctor or call you nurse.

Hannah - posted on 12/31/2009

If you are breastfeeding on demand you dont need to give him water

Amanda - posted on 12/31/2009

I've talked to my doctor about the same thing. Instead, they recommended a little bit of Karo syrup mixed in with the formula or try a little bit of prune juice.

Marsha - posted on 12/31/2009

I would call your ped. my baby at about 2/3 months had that prob and he told me to give her about 2 once of apple juice.

MaryBeth - posted on 12/31/2009

This is a question better brought to the attention of your pediatrician. There are many reasons for pain during a bowel movement in an infant.

Tameka - posted on 12/31/2009

i don't mean to sound rude or offend anyone but to say do not to give a baby water but diluted juice is fine is absolutely ridiculous, for one water is pure and natural and juice is full of sugar and preservatives and secondly you have to use water to dilute juice in the first place that entire statement contradicts itself

Heather - posted on 12/30/2009

Try probiotic drops. They're great for their immune system too.

Katina - posted on 12/30/2009

i would not give your son water not at that young of age, here are some tips since I know my son was bottle fed formula...

Here is an idea but please talk to your baby's doctor as well so there is no issues with health..

1 ounce of prune juice or DILUTED apple juice in the morning. Try a different formula for babies with sensitive tummy's and talk to your baby's doctor and let them know the problem. I hope it helped

Ashley - posted on 12/30/2009

NO water for babies it will mess with their electrolytes ...that is what my pediatrician told me:)

Mandy - posted on 12/30/2009

They recommend not giving them water at such an early age. My daughter seemed to have the same problem and i changed her formula to a more senitive and easy to digest kind and it seemed to help her. One of my friends baby had the same problem and her doctor told her to use a little bit of prune juice but to be cafeful not to give them to much..I would ask your doctor just to be safe. Hope this helps.

Amber - posted on 12/30/2009

Quoting Gina:

this is what I have learned. If your baby is a formula fed baby, they are getting everythinng they need. If he is a breastfed baby and you don't drink water than he is not getting any.

all i have to say to u is google LLL

Kimisha - posted on 12/30/2009

I was told when my baby was just over three months that there was enough water in formulas and baby foods to keep her hydrated so i would imagine that for a one and a half month old it wouldn't be necessary.

Areeba - posted on 12/30/2009

if u r breastfeeding u dont need to giv him/her water but if u are using formula then yes u must have water in there diet. may be and onz or less. but u must introduce water in there diet x

Punitika - posted on 12/30/2009

Yeap sure your baby can drink water. After 6 months they should give water to avoid constipation .

Jeannette - posted on 12/30/2009

Yes it will. also try putting about 1/2 teaspoons on dark Karol syrup in a couple of his bottles. I know that works very will.

Jessica - posted on 12/30/2009

i gave water to my baby from a very young age and he is fine. he only ever pooped 2-3 days because he was just learning his body. wayer is fine but i wouldnt start juice until he is a bit older. i started at about 5 and a half months with half juice and half water. my son is now 13 months old, loves water and will occaisionally have juice. he poops fine and is very healthy and active. but, if you have concerns talk to who you feel comfortable discussing this with, ie your mom, doctor, significant other, etc. Good luck!

Gina - posted on 12/30/2009

this is what I have learned. If your baby is a formula fed baby, they are getting everythinng they need. If he is a breastfed baby and you don't drink water than he is not getting any.

Lynda - posted on 12/30/2009

No, your baby gets all the nutrients he/she needs from the milk you give, whether breast or bottle fed. If your baby is constipated call the pediatrician. They will advise you what to do. Giving milk to a newborn is not advisable. It can serious problems in the baby's bodies. Please call your doctor!

Ashley - posted on 12/30/2009

NO! babys get enough water in there formula. A lady was watering down her formula in fl and killed her child. if your baby is constipated call the doctor n they will tell you what to give you baby.