can i give my 1 1/2 month old water?

Gina - posted on 01/20/2010

My pediatrician said water is fine. He recommended I give my son water from a cup whenever he had the hiccups (which he had a lot of during the first three or four months). My pediatrician told me this when my son was 2 weeks old.

Cathy JO - posted on 01/20/2010

My son is now 8 yrs old when he was a month old he did the same thing. He was always crying like he was hungry. I gave him water in between feedings. he loved to eat every hour. the water didnt hurt him at all. Actually he still prefers water to anything else to this day. I did switch him from breast feeding to formula and this did help. but he still loved to have his water. I dont think he was getting enough to fill him from the breast milk

Barby - posted on 01/20/2010

YOU SHOULD BREAST FEED HER AND GIVE HER POWDER MILK THAT TOTALLY WORKS AND WATER IS NOT BAD FOR BABYS YOU CAN GIVE THEM THAT ITS JUST THAT DOCTORS DONT RECOMMEND IT BECAUSE WE COULD ABUSE ON IT AND FULLK THEM UP WITH WATER .. BUT YEAH USE POWDER MILK ALSO

Mary - posted on 01/20/2010

I breastfed my son, but did not give him water that early. Is she still crying after you nurse her? Maybe she has some gas. Does she pass gas or burp afterwards? You could try burping in between nursing on each side. I layed my son on his back and gently bicycled his legs to help with the gas, and I also used Little Tummies gas drops which helped a ton. I also avoided most dairy products for about the first 3 or 4 months, because dairy really irritated his tummy and made him cry after nursing. Have you pumped at all to see how many ounces of milk you are producing on average? That might be some good information to talk with your doctor about.

Carol - posted on 01/20/2010

wow i can't believe people are using words like "dangerous" etc in relation to giving an infant water! that is ludicrous. and she isnt asking to replace breast feeding with water either! Of course it doesnt have the same nutrients. There is way to much crazy advice here. Call your pediatrician's nurse for the safest answer.

Carol - posted on 01/20/2010

Absolutely! I would maybe use bottled water though in case your tap supply has stuff in it! Water is super for babies.

Steph - posted on 01/20/2010

You might find she's going through a growth spert, they have them alot in the first few months. I had to top up my daughter with the bottle all the time. I tried to feed more often to increase my breast milk but it wasn't enough. Water is ok specially at this time of year, (if your in the southern hemisphere). boiled obviously. Are you using a dummy, she may just want to suck on something until the feeling of full kicks in. Hope this helps.

Tamara - posted on 01/20/2010

Since you're breast feeding she doesn't need that extra water. A little isn't bad but too much water at that age can cause water intoxication. She just might want a little hug. What I use to do was when my baby wouldn't settle was- breastfeed, burp, nappy change and if that doesn't work I would wrap tightly in her blanket, then hug and sing as we went for a little stroll. If all else fails it might be a little Colic. Just check with your Dr if your worried :) Hope that helps

Casey - posted on 01/20/2010

I don't think you should fill her up on water so she can feel full, but you can give her water after each nursing. I breastfed and formula fed my daughter and gave her water from the day we left the hospital in between each feeding. Not like they really drink the water anyhow.

Sharon - posted on 01/20/2010

No. You can not use water to take the place of a feeding. IF she is still hungry - she is hungry for a reason.



Water does nothing for a baby at this age.



MIND YOU!!! I gave all 3 of my babies water - a small sip or two after a full feeding to clear out their mouths - nothing more.

Sherry Ann - posted on 01/20/2010

thats exactly what i mean suzanne, u understand what i am talking about

Raesheal - posted on 01/20/2010

My doc told me that my daughter can have water, but only an ounce period.

Suzanne - posted on 01/20/2010

I always gave mine a little water, but not enough to replace any meal. Try a binky! She can practice her nursing skills, without filling up on water. Back in the day hospitals use to send us home with a case of small bottles of water. They all survived! The rules keep changing, so whatever works for you is what is right for your baby!

Kristy - posted on 01/20/2010

Repetitive people..... I think she's got the idea! Good luck Erin, I wish you well :) Bubby's very cute!

Teresa - posted on 01/20/2010

well they say you shouldnt cause the formula has water in it i would ask her doctor when you visit

Eloise - posted on 01/20/2010

Yes,by all means give your baby nursery water,if she doesn't want to drink it,put a little(pinch) of sugar in it,make sure water is at room temp.Doctors say not to give water because it is water in formula,that's "bull"water by it's self is better.

Kate - posted on 01/20/2010

At six weeks she's probably in the middle of a growth spurt, so she's probably needing to up her intake for a little while.

Casey - posted on 01/20/2010

I gave my son water from a young age. you have to think maybe she is just thirsty.

Belinda - posted on 01/20/2010

My first child was like that. She fed all the time for a long time each feed.. But I was given some good advice, she was just using me as a dummy, so I shortened her feeds, gave her a dummy and only fed her when I knew she was really hungry. It took a week or so but then she settled heaps better and it was so nice to be able to feed her so quick. They do have growth spurts and in hot weather may need more but maybe your child dosen't need as much as you are giving her, just comfort.

Sherry Ann - posted on 01/20/2010

I respect everything you guys know or have learnt from others, but resarch also prove many other things that we are never ever told, i am not a doctor, i live by faith, i just said what i know i experienced, we give them formula and that is mixed with water, so i never imagined that it would harm baby, but i respect everyones research and opinion and as i said, i don't know all the doctor stuff, because i live by faith..

Stuart - posted on 01/20/2010

you should be giving your baby some water it does not hurt, but make it after she has feed. I have 4 children 7,3,2,and 1 and have demand feed them, but still gave them water as I live in North Queensland and very hot here

Beth - posted on 01/20/2010

I would say absolutely not. Everyone I've talked to and everything that I have read says no. Babies that young need only formula or breastmilk, if you give them anything else they will get a full tummy but no food. Their bodies are designed like this for a reason, so they get the nutrition that they need to thrive. If she is constantly crying I would definately speak to your doctor, but if she does stop crying after a feeding then I wouldn't worry, just keep feeding on demand, that is the best thing for her right now (even if it is frustrating). And feel free to give your husband a smack LOL.

Jessica - posted on 01/20/2010

Well it depends on your babys health. My daughter could have water at 4 months old as long as she had her nutrients from her formula.

Saska - posted on 01/20/2010

definitely not at 6 weeks of age. breast or bottle milk is enough. at this age babies can't regulate their salt levels in their blood and additional water could upset her sodium levels and potentially cause seizures.

Tina - posted on 01/20/2010

Research says infants do not need water per Ameican Academy of Pediatrics.

Toni - posted on 01/20/2010

Exactly...my baby is breastfed and it was round the clock to get started, but with that I was able to make sure I was producing enough milk to keep him on only breastmilk until he started solid foods.

Ambrosia - posted on 01/20/2010

Don't give her water. My Dr. said to stick with milk until 6 months at least. My daughter is 6 months old and I still don't give her water. (although I have given her a sip of my cup, just because she's always reaching for it these days)



Additionally, babies go through hungry periods and even if you feel like you're out of milk, you should still let her nurse. She will get a small amount of milk and it if you do it consistently it will also make your milk supply increase, so you can meet her needs as time passes. It's hard, I know sometimes you might feel like she's nursing 24/7, but it gets better as time goes by.

Ambrosia - posted on 01/20/2010

Don't give her water. My Dr. said to stick with milk until 6 months at least. My daughter is 6 months old and I still don't give her water. (although I have given her a sip of my cup, just because she's always reaching for it these days)



Additionally, babies go through hungry periods and even if you feel like you're out of milk, you should still let her nurse. She will get a small amount of milk and it if you do it consistently it will also make your milk supply increase, so you can meet her needs as time passes. It's hard, I know sometimes you might feel like she's nursing 24/7, but it gets better as time goes by.

Ambrosia - posted on 01/20/2010

Don't give her water. My Dr. said to stick with milk until 6 months at least. My daughter is 6 months old and I still don't give her water. (although I have given her a sip of my cup, just because she's always reaching for it these days)



Additionally, babies go through hungry periods and even if you feel like you're out of milk, you should still let her nurse. She will get a small amount of milk and it if you do it consistently it will also make your milk supply increase, so you can meet her needs as time passes. It's hard, I know sometimes you might feel like she's nursing 24/7, but it gets better as time goes by.

Cherie - posted on 01/20/2010

water is perfectly fine to give to the baby in very small amounts. Check with your ped though if you feel uncomfortable doing so. in the hospital after birth some nurses will give the newborn sugar water.

Amy - posted on 01/20/2010

yes of course you can!!! As long as your daughter is drinking her milk, I wouldn't worry about giving her a little bit of water to keep her content afterwards:)

Ceri - posted on 01/20/2010

breast fed babies feed on supply and demant system so the more they suckle the more milk u produce they go through times when they feed more regular (or what feels like 24/7) so they can get your breasts to make more to meet their needs therefor water inbetween would slow this down, mean you make less milk and will eventuall have to stop as your milk will no longer be enough. i went through the same thing with my mother in law wanting to give my daughter water. it cant of hurt that once but its not a good idea to do regularly.

Toni - posted on 01/20/2010

According to my doctor, no, water is not a necessity. If she needs something to drink, it should be formula or breastmilk. When my baby was that age, he ate every 1-2 hours. It seems like a non stop process, but filling her up on water means she may not drink enough milk to get the nutrients she needs.

JANIE - posted on 01/20/2010

I ALWAYS DID WITH MY BABYS.THEY NEED WATER,LIKE GROW UPS DO.THANKS JANIE NASH

JANIE - posted on 01/20/2010

I ALWAYS DID WITH MY BABYS.THEY NEED WATER,LIKE GROW UPS DO.THANKS JANIE NASH

JANIE - posted on 01/20/2010

I ALWAYS DID WITH MY BABYS.THEY NEED WATER,LIKE GROW UPS DO.THANKS JANIE NASH

Sherry Ann - posted on 01/20/2010

we are all adults and there is no need for mature ppl to hurl insults, i don't know of water killing babies but i gave my newborn baby boiled water once and she drank all 2 ounces of it, she is now a healthy 16 year old, everyone does not know everything thats why we have this forum, heck DOCTORS DON'T EVEN KNOW EVERYTHING

Shawneen - posted on 01/20/2010

I had the same problem,with my oldest. He is 18 lol first make sure you have all the nutrients in your breast milk. I didn't so I had to go to formula an a little baby rice in it. An you can give your baby water if you don't trust your water you can buy baby water at the stores. Ask your dr if it is your milk an not your baby. good luck

Sherry Ann - posted on 01/20/2010

As long as the water has been boiled properly you can give her water it may not have nutrients but the body does need it, also she maybe crying because she misses the comfort she gets from sucking, she may not be hungry but be careful not to overfeed and make her throw up..

Susie - posted on 01/20/2010

MAYBE SHE IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH WHEN YOU NURSE, SINCE YOU CANT MEASURE AS WITH A BOTTLE. SHE IS WAY TO YOUNG TO BE GIVEN WATER, INFANTS CAN DIE FROM WATER INTOXICATION, GIVE HER MILK, SHE NEEDS TO GROW. FOR THE LAST 9MO. SHE HAD A CONSTANT SUPPLY OF FOOD WHILE IN YOUR STOMACH BUY A FORMULA OR PRE PUMP SO YOUR HUSBAND CAN PARTICIPATE. NOT WATER!

Anya - posted on 01/20/2010

Babies do not need water if they are nursing. The foremilk gives them all the liquid they need and the hindmilk which comes after the foremilk is the one that is full of fat and gives the baby the satieity that they need.



Visit La Leche League International for all your answers to breastfeeding.

Jenny - posted on 01/20/2010

No Don't give her water. It is possible to over hydrate your baby if you give them water. There was a woman from my home town that put her baby in the hospital by just watering down formula a bit to make it last longer. It's definately not safe until they are old enough for baby food and then I would offer her a sippy cup so you know she's not getting too much. maybe its not food she's fussing for but maybe just something to suck on, have you tried a pacifier?

Renee - posted on 01/20/2010

Hi there, I don't know if she should be having water at 11/2 months I'm not sure but I remember with my first baby, I couldn't understand why my son always seemed so hungry. Believe it or not I fixed the problem by drinking litres of Strawberry milk and eating packets of caramel crowns! I'm sure the choccie biscuits were not that essential but I have 5 kids now and with the following three pregnancies the same thing worked every time. Because I was dancing and trying to eat fairly well to lose my baby weight it turned out there just wasn't enough calories in my milk to satisfy him. As soon as I drank a heap of this strawberry milk it was like an instant milk maker! (I'm sure any flavour would be fine) I can't really explain it, but i'd say it's definately worth a try for a satisfied peaceful baby. They should be going down for a really good sleep after a satisfying feed. Good Luck!

Nikky - posted on 01/20/2010

i dont know the brand you are given your baby, but i know SMA GOLD white is for hungrier baby, mine was like that few years ago thank God for Sma gold prescribed by an experienced midwife. water is generally good for body , given water to babies once or twice daily will do no harm but helps digestion.it should not be substitute for food .

H.J - posted on 01/20/2010

GO SEE YOUR BABIES DOCTOR... this is the best advice I could tell you. You will get different advice and people spouting off recommendations from this health organizational and that one... hell here in Australia health nurses at one point were recommending red cordial for children with gastro to me when my child is allergic to the colours in it. Talk to your gp and pediatrician and you will get the advice your after. These forums are sometimes helpful but the best advice you can get is from the doctors who know you, your child and the health risks to your child!!!!! If you use medical advice then you can say I did the best thing by my child at the time!!!!!! But remember medical advice is open to interpretation and you can always ask for a second opinion!

Shannon - posted on 01/20/2010

I am a pediatric nurse and we usually discourage parents from giving their babies water for the very reason you stated. However, there are cultures that often give water without detriment to the baby. But if you think she's wanting the water to feel full then I would nurse more, and if you think she just likes the comfort that sucking provides I would give her a pacifier. It is not uncommon for babies to use the breast as a pacifier at first.

Jenny - posted on 01/20/2010

No - at 1 1/2 months they shouldn't be given water. If you feel she is still hungry all the time... maybe it's time to give her a formula bottle now and then. I nursed my last one till he was almost 10 mo old, but he did get formula now and then... when we were out, if I was to sore to nurse, or he seemed hungry after nursing. Sometimes it only takes 2 oz to help them fill up.



But just water can cause her not to get the nutrition she needs and can do more harm then good when they are so young.

Tracy - posted on 01/20/2010

Kudos for breastfeeding! My son is going to turn 1 year next month and he and I are still going strong. According to my anatomy class last semester it is not a good idea to give an infant straight water b/c it can actually dehydrate them. Excess water can actually cause red blood cells to become engorged and actually burst. From my personal experience I nursed as often as my son wanted although sometimes it felt like he was attatched to me he did seem satisfied. I would consult your doctor about it but the best suggestion I could make would be to supplement with formula....you are not a bad mother if you supplement your breastmilk with formula.

Katrina - posted on 01/20/2010

1.5 months is awfully young, she may be hitting a growth spurt.

she may be a "sucky" baby. my 3 boys all were, i nursed them and they seems to be attached forever! i tried the soother and it worked, they didnt always want to eat, they just wanted to suck.

Ruth - posted on 01/20/2010

Waters fine to give aslong as its been boiled but wont stop her being hungry. You could try topping her up with an ounce of formula milk if shes really hungry. I'm a great advocate of breast feeding but if its not enough then surely babies needs come first? I'm not suggesting you stop breast feeding but just finish off with a small amount of formula to satisfy her. Back to water...it might help bring up any wind too.