Can I give my 4 1/2 month old water?

Amy - posted on 06/06/2010

It's not advisable for an exclusively breastfed baby to have water, and definitely not before 6 months. The advice is different for formula fed babies, but breastmilk changes with the weather and you can upset your baby's electrolyte balance. Just make sure -you- drink enough.

Tara - posted on 05/26/2010

Thanks for all the helpfull advice. We are trying to stay cool!

MOMMBY Mom - posted on 05/25/2010

My son’s doctor said it was not necessary to give my son any water for the first several months, either breast milk or formula would be sufficient. The material I read varied as to when it is safe to give the baby water. According to The Baby Book, babies that are formula fed should drink four to eight ounces of water a day. Although breastfed babies do not need to drink extra water (Sears, Baby 209).
According to Dr. Spock, neither babies that are breastfed or formula fed require additional water. Although, Dr. Spock does state it is important to “offer water if the baby has a fever, or during excessively hot weather. . . .If you are giving extra water, it’s important to continue giving the regular amount of formula or breast milk as well. Babies given only water can become ill” (231).
Overall, it’s important to remember that water should be in addition to the normal amount of formula the baby drinks not in lieu of. Generally, the reason the baby should not drink too much water is that it “can lead to an electrolyte imbalance” (Sears, Ask). Since I gave my son both breast milk and formula I never gave him additional water in a bottle. I started giving my son water in a sippy cup when he was around six months. Many parents do start to give water at the time the baby starts to eat solid foods.
I would definitely check with your healthcare professional. Although, I would think additional breast milk is a good thing rather than supplementing with water.  For more information about introducing water to a baby, please refer to: http://mommby.com/Breastfeeding_and_Bott...
Good luck and stay cool.
Take care,
Schalyn

Melanie - posted on 05/25/2010

I would speak with a ped first... he or she is probably going to tell you that it's unnecessary and that your baby is getting her fluids from breast milk or formula. I only started giving my daughter water months later than that. Water intoxification is a very dangerous thing.

Attracta - posted on 05/25/2010

I gave both my Daughters water and it Done them no harm at all an couple of oz's throughout the day help keep her well Hydrated at the same time. Hope all goes well for you whatever your decide !!!

Emily - posted on 05/25/2010

I wouldn't give water. Just continue nursing her when needed. Breastmilk is 90% water anyway, and it's healthier for her. Too much water can upset the balance of electrolytes and sodium.

Marcelle - posted on 05/25/2010

if u r breastfeeding your baby exclusively, that is no bottle feeds from powdered formula in between, there is no need for water, composition of breast milk is 90 %water, so there is no need for water, just breast feed your baby on demand, anytime she wants the breast u give it to her. However once your baby reaches six months and u start to add other foods to his/her diet water can be given from this time onwards.

Jennifer - posted on 05/25/2010

my 6 month old son has been extra thirsty lately too because of the heat...our pediatrician told us to just breastfeed more often on hot days but if we did decide to give water to limit it to an ounce or 2 in a day. little ones don't need anything outside of breastmilk.

TORI - posted on 05/25/2010

I agree with all post I gave both my boys water when they were infants. Only because as stated we as humans need water so a little water as infants wont hurt either as long as your not giving to much causing her not to want milk then you will be fine. Considering the heat give her the water between feedings.

Angie - posted on 05/25/2010

It's not the healthiest choice to give her anything but breastmilk. Babies don't need water because there is plenty in breastmilk - all that they need. The concern with giving babies water is that they will fill up on water and not get the nutrition they need from real food (breastmilk),.

Andrea - posted on 05/25/2010

I personally wouldn't do it either. A baby that age should be getting all their water requirements through breastmilk or formula. You have to be careful with giving an infant water as it can throw off their electrolytes and cause water intoxification if given too much.

Melissa - posted on 05/25/2010

I personally would not give my baby water at that age and did not give it to him until he was 9 months. I would talk to your pediatrician before giving it to her mine only recommended it for constipation... you could try a cool washcloth on her head and stomach it may help keep her cool!

Kathlene - posted on 05/25/2010

my daughter was born with and still has enlarged kidneys...her urologist (the kidney specialist)recommended me to give her a four oz bottle of water (room temp)..all she could have is formula and water (not even juice)so now that she's well over a year she loves drinking water and actually cries for it...which of course is a great thing...

Gemma - posted on 05/25/2010

i give my lil girl water and she is 4 months old she has a lil bit every now and then durin the day, we need water and so do babies, they just a smaller version of us hun. just make sure she isnt bein filled up on water though. but yea there is not a prob with this. good luck with what u decide.xxx

Sherri - posted on 05/25/2010

No problem at all I never gave any of my babies sterilized water just right out of the tap. But just make sure she is still feeding well and not filling up on water.

Jane - posted on 05/25/2010

A little room temp sterilized water wouldn't hurt. After feedings, because you don't want to fill her with water, just top her off.