Is it ok to give your baby water?

Allison - posted on 02/05/2010

Water can mess their sodium balance in their body up, they really should only have breastmilk or formula until they start solids...then just a little water a couple ounces a day is all.

Angelia - posted on 02/05/2010

Until she is a toddler i would not give her water. Water fills the belly she needs nutrition not fake fulls

Cheryl - posted on 02/05/2010

I know babies don't die if you give them water. First thing you need to do is talk to your doctor. My baby (november 14th) was having trouble having frequent bowel movements and my doctor first recommended giving her small amounts of water between feedings. She was around 6 weeks old at that time. At 7 weeks, our doctor recommended giving her watered down apple or grape juice to help get things moving. My daughter now has better bowl movements, and hasn't died. I only use purified water and she only gets a couple of ounces a day only between feedings. And she is breastfed.



I agree with another comment... the white stuff could be thrush. Get it checked. And don't take any advice but that given from your doctor!!!!!

Ajané - posted on 02/05/2010

The white stuff is usually just formula or milk...Unless like already said, your baby is irritable about eating and it's on the insides of her cheeks. Even then, it can still be formula or milk, and it's best if you ask the doctor about it if you are worried, s/he will be able to tell right away.



I did not give my baby water until around 5 or 6 months, when she started eating solid foods. They don't need it. They get enough hydration from milk at that age.

Tara - posted on 02/05/2010

Ask your doctor first before taking anyone else's advice, including those on this forum. You don't have to wait for your next appointment, just call and ask to speak to the nurse & she/he should be able to provide the answer you are looking for. I can tell you what my doctor advised me: I was exclusively breastfeeding my daughter & she said not to give water, the breastmilk provides all the hydration she needs. I've never heard of using water to reduce gas. But call your doctor before you give your baby water.

Katie - posted on 02/05/2010

I was told that you shouldn't give young babies water, cause you never know what's going to be too much for each baby. If you give them formula, thats a little water, so if you add more water, it might be too much. That's what my doctor told me...she said they don't need extra water, so why risk it?

Angela - posted on 02/05/2010

1oz water after drinking milk is recommended yogically for health, for life. I offered my daughter water pretty often after she had milk and she is a big water drinker to this day and loves it! She usually just drank a sip or two, until she got older. you can buy a plastic tongue scraper to clean her tongue (and yours) of bacteria, etc. Preserve makes a nice one at health food stores. If there is actually thrush you can use this and also rub in a bit of active culture plain kefir/ yogurt. The benefitial digestive bacteria keep yeast in thrush at bay. Also eating less yeast friendly diet yourself can bring balance into breast milk for baby.

Kim - posted on 02/05/2010

I gave both my sons water when they were little. One is 19 and other 17, now. Because we didn't really have bottle water back than, I would boil their water and than cool it in the refrig. Also take a wet cloth and wipe your baby girl tonuge.

Kimberly - posted on 02/05/2010

I would do a search of all pros & cons; doctors & internet. Obviously, if one uses formula, then water is being added to it to create the drink. 11 weeks is young for water vs nutrients. The fear comes from any micro-bacteria that a baby's immune system is not prepared to fight off when drinking water, so purified water is best in every scenario. Now look @ the logical side, women have been having babies for generations & many gerations before us gave their baby's water w/out any worry.........and formula never used to exist.

Morgan - posted on 02/05/2010

Babies need 2 to 4 ounces of water a day according to the nutritionist that I see.

Samantha - posted on 02/05/2010

That is the so not true. The doc told me not to give my babies water either, but I did. It will not hurt them to give them a little each day. I gave mine at least 1oz. a day or every other day. I also gave mine sugar water, which the hospital actually gave me. It helps with constipation. Water helps them and it also can help them not to get jaundice. People gave their kids water years ago and now all of a sudden they tell us not too, it doens't make sense. A little water won't hurt them. Just don't overdo it! And if there is white stuff on the tongue, have it checked. It could be thrush.Good luck, I know how it can be with families

Sarah - posted on 02/05/2010

Water will not hurt your baby! The nurses in the hospital after my son was born gave me glucose water to help him calm down inbetween feedings. It was the summer time and hot outside and they told me to give him a few oz. if necessary. Everyone is going to have their own opinion and what who told them, but you're best bet would just be to ask your doctor... But overall, it will not kill your baby.

Amanda - posted on 02/05/2010

The white stuff on her tongue is a great thing, however if it is blotchy and thick in some spots it may be thrush. I have a 2 1/2 yr old and my doctor never told me that my son would die if i gave him water, if that was the case, what happens every time you mix up formula you know? my doctor just told me that its not horrible to give a small baby water, but it's not recommended because if you are trying to do it to curb appetite or anything like that, you are not killing your child, however you are depriving them of the much needed nutrients and calories formula and breast milk provide. I gave my son water once in a while when he was about 4 months just instead of juice because of all the sugar but don't heed the unsolicited advice of friends and family members because even though they might think it's best, they don't realize that it's confusing and overwhelming, so calmly listen to what they have to say but it's natural for babies to be gassy, especially if your little one is taking formula instead of breast milk. Best of luck!

Lisa - posted on 02/05/2010

If the white stuff on her tongue doesn't come off, it's thrush, an overgrowth of yeast. Water won't help. Thrush usually happens in babies when antibiotics are given, so don't let the doctor give more antibiotics to treat. If you are breastfeeding, get on a probiotic, and if not, get one for her that is safe for babies. She needs to build up the good bacteria in her system to stop the yeast overgrowth. Also, she doesn't need water until later.

Charlotte - posted on 02/05/2010

Should be enough water in the formula or breast milk.

Arielle - posted on 02/05/2010

omg babies will die if you give them water? lol NO!!!!!! but babies can have water but you should always ask your doc when and how much water. my babies doc told me i could start giving her water at 4 months but every1 is diff and says diff

Annie - posted on 02/05/2010

Here are some facts about giving water to infants: Babies' kidneys are still immature. When the kidneys get too much water, in addition to filtering out the excess water, the kidneys also flush out excess sodium. Excess sodium in the system affects the brain and consequently early warning signs of water toxicity are: irritability, drowsiness or other mental signs. In addition, a baby may also have seizures. This might be the first warning sign to parents that something is wrong. Other symptoms include swelling in the face, and lowered body temperature (around 97 degrees).

Barbara - posted on 02/05/2010

Babies do need water and your pediatrician will let you know when. Be careful though because they can choke easy.

Annie - posted on 02/05/2010

There was a lady in our community that gave her daughter water toxicity by putting too much water with her formula in an attempt to save money and make it go further. The baby had to be hospitalized. You don't give babies water until they start eating solid foods.

Georgia - posted on 02/05/2010

Reading all the comments tells me one thing, everyone has an opinion! Some are "new age" belief.....and others are "old fashioned". As for me, a mother of 5 healthy grown children, I believe my instincts as a mother. I don't always agree with the medical field...they are diverse in their opinions as the mothers who have commented here!
To say a baby does not need water is someone's opinion! As for me, my babies were given small supplemental amounts of water especially when they were first born and may have shown some jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, until their liver became fully functional! Water helps to flush the body of toxins.....even those found in formulas which contribute to the condition called thrush. Rinsing the baby's mouth with a sip of water is wise after feeding. The best advice is remember when babies were born anciently without the benefit of doctors.....use your best judgement and if a problem develops then ask the professionals.....mothers have good instincts if they will develop them and use them trusting in their inborn abilities as a mother!

Charlotte - posted on 02/05/2010

I've had 5 kids and babies absolutely don't need water until 6 months old or older. The breastmilk or formula is all they need. If you were concerned then check w/ your Dr. to be sure she is consuming enough oz. of milk. If she's breastfed, then don't worry, she is. Also, rememeber if she is peeing regularly and you're changing about 5 diapers a day she is not dehydrated and they won't get that way unless she is sick. Vomiting and diarrehea is what would cause dehydration and then you need to know what signs to look for as it can happen quickly. Your family says she'll die, I'm assuming, because you would be substituting noncalorie/nutrient water for vital milk however, it's unlikely she'd die unless you quite the milk altogether. Water is just not needed now. (It won't reduce gas either.) Remember you're her mom and this won't be the first time you have to make decisions that YOU think are best for her so educate yourself about all issues that come up in life and then make a decision, listen to wise counsel and then politely tell everyone thanks for your input, but this is what I've decided. Good for you to post a question here and get opinions. Your a first time mom and everything is new and scary. You'll do great as long as you make choices based on what's best for your child and you.

Georgia - posted on 02/05/2010

Yes, most certainly it is safe to give your child water! Sometimes a baby will have jaundice at birth, yellowing of the skin due to liver function, and water is an essential part to cure this condition. Water is a cleansing agent to the body....yes, you can drink too much water, but that is extreme circumstances usually related to adult consumption. You should give your baby water regularly......

Kristle - posted on 02/05/2010

If there is "white stuff" on her toungue, it sounds like Thrush and water will not get rid of it, as it needs medication from your pediatrician. Although water will not harm your baby girl, there is no nutritional value to it. It will fill her tummy up and take away from the nutrition she could be receiving from either breat milk or formula. One thing I did do with my son though, because he did get thrush as a baby - I would put just a little under an ounce of water in a bottle AFTER feeding him and give him sips just to clean his mouth out thouroughly from the formula. All of that formula sitting in their little mouths is a breeding ground of bacteria and can cause the trush either to be irritated or begin in the first place. I am not a dr, these are all things that my son's dr told me when I went through the same thing as a young mother.

Rose - posted on 02/05/2010

Babys need water just like we do to survive it will not hurt them it will help them. I gave all 3 of mine water and they are perfectly fine in fact I taught them to feed theirs water to. Doctors tell you they don't need it but they do just not a lot at first.

Carol L. - posted on 02/05/2010

If you are successfully nursing, my understanding is they are getting plenty of liquid. If you're bottle feeding she is probably not getting enough liquid - especially if it is warm where you are. However, saying that you must boil the tap water and be sure the bottle is sterile to be on the safe side. Check with your pediatrician.

Kelly - posted on 02/05/2010

Everyone needs water! To include babies. You just have to give it to them in small amounts. They can't drink water like they do formula. They can choke on it if you let them have more than a small suck or two at a time. Formula has lots of iron in it and can constipate babies. Small amounts of water helps to keep their stool soft and pass easily so they don't get collicky and gassey.

Kathleen - posted on 02/05/2010

not the amount that I was talking about and I have had 5 sons and none of them died or were hurt by a tiny amount of water. Read what I wrote again, I mostly said to just get their pacifier wet or a finger and let the baby suck on it. Its just enough to clean their mouth out and hydrate their mouth. Sometimes formula leaves a taste in the mouth and makes the baby mouth feel dry. I don't agree about the weather either. I have seen newborns covered and dressed to warm in the spring or summer in San Diego and if you are warm then chances are the baby is a little too. I don't mean let the baby be exposed but just don't over cover the baby.

Dianne - posted on 02/05/2010

Unless you live in a tropical climate where the temps are 100 degrees or more, you don't need to give water. Breast milk or formula is the only thing babies need. Please check with your health care provider before giving water. It could potentially harm a small baby.

Kathleen - posted on 02/05/2010

Just wet your finger or her pacifier and do that a couple of times. If you are feeding her enough , then she should be getting enough fluids, especially if you are nursing , even though I could never fill my kids up but I did give my babies just a tiny bit of water but not much. Sometimes moms keep their new borns too hot and they get a little dehydrated. There are alot of myths about that subject but I would check with your Ped. for the baby and that will put all to rest.

Patrice - posted on 02/05/2010

Ok a little steril water with some clear Kayro syrup will not kill your baby ; however your not replacing the water with a feeding... Just a little goes a long way ;even her little body needs water.

Just a reminder the decisions that you make for your baby are yours and yours alone. shes your responsibility , so please listen to all the advice from family, friends , and fellow facebookers but weed out the ones that best suit you and your baby. Your the mommy nobody else:)

Linda - posted on 02/05/2010

I have two boys (now ages 40 & 41 yrs. old)....both where pretty much raised on jello water and plain water. One did not like milk of any kind and they both had severe colic. The jello water (just add a little jello right from the box into the bottle bottle of water) was recommended by our Dr., and it was always recommended to give them at least one bottle of water. But that was 40 years ago and I know they do things totally different now days......BUT both of my boys are and always have been, big healthy boys...and I NEVER ever heard of water killing a healthy baby, does your baby have any health problems?

Linda - posted on 02/05/2010

Yes filtered water inbetween breast milk or formula. Never water down the formula. hey if you are breast feeding, you need a lot of water. Little sips of water inbetween feedings is fine. www.lindagardnerjuiceplus.com

Marilyn - posted on 02/05/2010

It is absolutely ok to give babt water, especially whenever child is resting in crib. The number one cause for 'bottle mouth' is giving baby formula etc in the crib. Bottle mouth is the destruction of baby teeth in children under age 2. Root canals and/or false teeth are expensive and this can be prevented by never giving a baby a bottle of anything but water in the crib or whenever childmay fall asleep with bottle in their mouth.

Cathryn - posted on 02/05/2010

hi i cant belive your family has told you that babys will die if there given water that is compleatly untrue babys can have water as long as it is cooled boiled water and not straight from the tap depending on the age of the baby depends how much to give them just start with an 1 ounce. often when a baby crys its not because its hungry but because its thirsty and milk isnt thirst quenching. please dont listen to people when they say things like that i gave both my boys water when they were babys, if you have any concerns talk to your health visitor. good luck.

Rita - posted on 02/05/2010

Joslyn

Babies do not die from water consumption!!!! I whole heartedly believe that giving them water benefits them in so many ways. The acquire a taste for it which i good later on in life. It keeps them very hydrated. It is the most wonderful thing for the bowels, and babies who have hard stools. It is great for their skin. Every body part will benefit from drinking water, and it is never too early to start.

The thing to remember with babies is this......They need high calories, so most of their liquid at 12 weeks should come from the breast or bottle. an ounce a couple of times a day is healthy, not necessary, but a health option. I have a 7 month old, and he gets a couple of ounces of water at his meal times. I skipped juice all together, as he gets plenty of fruit servings through out the day, and I would rather him drink a lot of water as a toddler, as opposed to fruit juices. They tend to have high amounts of sugar and are not great setting on the teeth.

The white on the tongue is probably a baby thrush, leave it alone, and if it is bad, ask the Pedi.

Water is not a cure for gas, however it hydrates the bowel very much, and keeps baby's stool moving along the intestines well and promotes regularity. when people are regular they tend to have less gas, as opposed to a constipated person. Babies have new parts...

I give filtered or bottled water. I would be careful with city water or heavy floridated water, as sometimes there are toxins in it that a baby shouldnt have large quantities.

Joslyn....seriously, whom ever is telling you that water clean water consumption is going to kill the baby, could not be more wrong and further from the truth.....Unless you live in a country with contaminated water. If you are in the United States, you most likely have good water. When in doubt, use bottled water! Water is good for you!!!!!!

Linda - posted on 02/05/2010

Please give your baby water!!!! Our bodies are made up of 75% water. They need water for their organs and mind. Also you need to set their palatte for the taste of water. As they grow, only give them formula, or breast milk and water. No juices. Fruit is great, not the juices: they are the juice without the fiber. I am a nurse. mother of 4, and grandmother of 8. I know how important water is...filtered water!!

www.lindagardnerjuiceplus.com

Kathie - posted on 02/05/2010

ofcourse give her water it wont kill her shes probley thirsty

Kathie - posted on 02/05/2010

ofcourse give her water it wont kill her shes probley thirsty

Melanie - posted on 02/05/2010

I did not give myson water until he was 6 months old... best to ask your doctor or a public health nurse.

Melanie - posted on 02/05/2010

I did not give myson water until he was 6 months old... best to ask your doctor or a public health nurse.

Kim - posted on 02/05/2010

If your baby is only 11 weeks old, you should not give her water. Why? Because her tummy will only hold so much. If you give her water, she might not have room for what she really needs, breastmilk or formula. She will lose weight and could become malnourished. The white stuff on her tongue could be thrush, a common yeast infection. If you ask her doctor, I bet they would say not to give her water. You could try rubbing her tongue with a small, damp washcloth. People used to give their babies water back in the day, but stopped doing it because of the health problems it caused in babies....hope that helps!

Donde - posted on 02/05/2010

I heard the same thing when my son Joshua was born. I used to take a tiny brush and gently use it on his gums. The funny thing is my son is 10 years old and he still doesn't like brushing his teeth to this day! I guess that is normal thing that all kids go through.

Tiffany - posted on 02/05/2010

Although water won't hurt your baby it could fill her up, and she needs all the nutrients she can get from milk, so it's not recommended. Don't worry about the white on her tongue, it's just from the milk, and it will go away. If she hasn't already, she'll also probably get a little crusty spot on her upper lip from the milk, and while it looks funny, you shouldn't peel it off. When it comes to reducing gas, if it is really bad and the baby is uncomfortable because of it, there are a few natural over-the-counter things you can try. My baby always had a hard time sleeping because of upset tummy, and I found a great natural colic/gas tablets that worked really well. They were tiny white tablets that you put under their tongue and they dissolve real fast. I used to kind of rub it in. Here's a link that shows what they are, and you can get them at most drugstores. Good luck!



http://www.drugstore.com/qxp30632_333181...

Aimee - posted on 02/05/2010

I agree with Vickie. Take all the advice you can get but do what you think is right. An eleven week old baby is getting enough fluids from you or the formula, I have three children (5, 2, and 7 months) only start giving water when they started solids. As for Amy Lea's post, the mother wasnt giving her baby ENOUGH formula, so its diet was MOSTLY water. A baby needs all the nutrients found in breastmilk of formula.

Meghan - posted on 02/05/2010

Your baby will absolutely not die from drinking normal tap water.I asked my doctor this same thing,and he said babies under 6 months do not NEED water unless it is very hot out as water just fills them but has no nutritional value.As long as your baby is drinking milk and is hydrated all is well,formula is half water anyway and breast milk also contains it from your own consumption.

Christine - posted on 02/05/2010

hiya you can give your baby cooled boiled water which is great to clear there toung and also helps alot with gass just make about 2oz my baby is 13 weeks and did not like it much just had a few mouth fulls but did the trick

Dameka - posted on 02/05/2010

Though my kids are bigger now, my doc also encouraged me to give them water to prevent thrush. Not a whole bottle, however. Just enough to rinse their mouth out a bit. I used a wet baby cloth to wipe the tongue a bit.

Christin - posted on 02/05/2010

Please listen to Kekua, Shannon and Amy. I completely agre with their posts. Babies do not need water. Many years ago people "thought" that babies needed water in addition to their formula/breast milk, but more recent information says otherwise (my daughter is 12 and they said it back then too). Babies get exactly what they need from breast milk and even formula. Adding additional fluid only fills them up and decreases their appetite. Please talk to your doctor if you feel unsure. Remember, a lot of people (especially family) will try to tell you what to do, they have good intentions, but do not always have the most up to date medical information. Try to just smile and say thank you when you are offered unsolicited advice from family and friends. If they push then just tell them you will take their advice into consideration and will speak to your pediatrician about it. The bottom line is that you are the mother. Good luck to you. :)

Tanya - posted on 02/05/2010

Your baby needs water, especially if she is not being breastfed. Breastfed babies can go with just breastmilk for quite a while, but formula fed babies need more fluid ie: water, rooibos tea.. It is perfectly safe for your baby to drink water..



Good Luck!

Tanya

Adrienne - posted on 02/05/2010

Our pediatrician told us to start giving our baby water around 4 months. She said just a couple of ounces at first. She wanted him to develop a taste for water and to want it more than sugary juice drinks. To this day he does not drink juice. He is 16 months old. He was breastfed until he was 14 months (never had a drop of formula) and now he is on regular milk and water.