Is it okay for me to give my 5 month old a little bit of water?

Casey - posted on 12/17/2009

A nurse in the hospital told me that when the baby is born and they take them to get checked they give the babies a tea spoon of water to help clean their lungs. The day my daughter and I came home from the hospital she was given water every day. To this day she prefers water over juice.

Rebecca - posted on 12/15/2009

My doctor advised water is okay and not harmful, but babies need the calories and nutrition in breastmilk/formula more. When my baby got curious and reached for my water bottle I gave little sips, careful not to give too much to spoil any meal.

Cindy - posted on 12/15/2009

My daughter was totally breast-fed until 15 months of age. She wouldn't take any kind of bottle, pacifier etc. When it was very hot in the summer, I would give her a clean wet washcloth to suck on.... she really liked it. Just make sure the water is clean and pure. I wouldn't think there would be a problem with it.

Rachel - posted on 12/14/2009

I gave my baby (now 8 months old) water. Makes sure its boiled water. You are allowed to give them 30mls of water a day. Now I give my daughter water whenever. She probably has about 50-60mls a day now. So far no problems at all.

Jennifer - posted on 12/13/2009

my children were breastfed and i gave them water at about 4 months they are 7 and 4 now and they have no problems

Laura - posted on 12/05/2009

Water is vital! Boil it, cool it and then offer it to your daughter. It surely won't kill her and it will teach her to like it. I wouldn't add any sugar to it as it will then make it more difficult in the future to make her accept the taste of pure water and she will end up wanting juices and other sugary drinks. I offered my sons water the moment I gave them the bottle at 8 weeks and they are two healthy little boys! Remember that breasfed children have the first milk to satisfy their thirst and then the fatty one comes out to fill them up, bottle fed kids don't have this so some water between feeds is just great and it does help with constipation. Good luck and don't stop believing in your abilities!

Topaz-rosey - posted on 12/04/2009

Post a reply!yes, it should be encouage im 49 and all of my babies grand kids and other that i have care for drunk water right out of thr tap , four oz s between each bottle is just fine if your child want it but try to do this and they will not want to eat every four hours

Kelly - posted on 12/03/2009

It sure is..according to my doctor. He says milk is food and they will need a top up of water if they are thirsty...especially in the warmer months. My son is now 2 and he only drinks water..and loves it! He was having water from 2 weeks old (Jan born baby)

Alicia - posted on 12/03/2009

i dont beleive that giving water is a bad thing, i think giving your baby like a tiny little bit at 5 months wont hurt. It might even help when your trying to ween of formula.

Anna - posted on 12/03/2009

After having two children prior to my baby I was always told it was ok to give them water. Then I got news that babies should not be given water bc they get all the water they need from their formula. When I took him for his 2 wk check up, his Dr. asked is he drinking plenty of water. I said, um no he doesnt. I was told not too give him any. She asked me what do u drink when you are thirsty. I said water. Then she gave me that look and said well he needs water too, not just formula, when he is thirsty.

Hope this helps

Samantha - posted on 12/03/2009

I have 6 children and i have always give them a once or so of water once or twice a week. It doesnt hurt and it also helps to make it that their pee isnt so strong. I have also been giving my kids cereal since the day they came home from the hospital and it never hurt them. Oh and on the "Bottled Water" thing if you watch HOW ITS MADE some time you will see that some bottled water is just regular tap water put on our store shelf.

Janet - posted on 12/03/2009

Years ago, we were told that our babies needed water and that we should put a little sugar in the water so they will drink it. Today we are told not to give our little ones water, that the formula is the only thing they need. I know that babies like to suck, as they do the bottle. There is a disagreement about this because some don't like the pacifiers. I think that a baby needs something to calm them when they are fussy or tired and don't want milk, but I don't like to see a pacifier in the mouth all the time. It's too hard to get them to quit if they have it at all times and bad for teeth. It sure helps a really fussy baby when nothing else will. I haven't had very many babies who drank water.Ask your doctor , and I would only give boiled or filtered water if it's OK.

Patricia - posted on 12/03/2009

Speaking as an experienced mom (my youngest is 19) water is fine for your 5 month old. In fact, if she is whining as if hungry all the time, then it's better to give her water on occasion rather than constantly filling her with formula. Always giving her formula when she cries will eventually lead to a fat baby. I've seen it happen to my friend's children. If she has already had her normal amount of formula, and still wants something more, then simply add a very small amount of 100% fruit juice (apple is best) to an 8 ounce bottle of distilled water (don't use tap yet). It will give her a taste for healthy things, and if she doesn't finish it, it won't go bad.....it's just water and taste of juice.

Becky - posted on 12/03/2009

I gave my children water when they were babies. My kids are teenagers and are now fine. It is possible that she is just thirsty. Water can not hurt anyone. If you are worried about it ask the doctor. Most doctors will okay it.

Katelyn - posted on 12/03/2009

Yes, water is good to give your baby, it keeps your child hydrated and refreshed. just like us adults.

Stephanie - posted on 12/03/2009

It's safe to give a child water although not recommended by doctors, because the breast milk and formula both contain plenty of water. But to be quite honest i gave my son an ounce of water from 4 months to 7 then slowly went increasing the amounts on how much formula he was eating. Try the baby juices by Gerber and give him or her a few ounces a day. (start them on baby food with gerber cereal) to help take the anxies away

Malinda - posted on 12/03/2009

All ways ask your baby's doctor BEFORE you do anything.
You can ask 10 people and get 10 diffrerent answers!
I would NOT give a baby tap water, when baby is cleared to drink water
BOTTLE PURIFIED only!

Claire - posted on 12/02/2009

yes it is fine. i started given my son water when he was 4 months old but he wouldn't always drink it. when he was around 7 months he would drink between 2oz-60z a day and it hasnt harmed him. he is now 15 months and drinks between 7oz-21oz a day. make sure its fresh cooled boiled water. if u have any concernes speak to ur gp or health visitor. they say to start giving water when they are on solids. good luck.

C. - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Emily:

I've also heard that formula or breastmilk is all a baby needs. But, I give my son water. He LIKES it. And, I think it is a good habit for them to get a little water & not always count on milk (or formula, etc) to drink. I did the same with my daughter and now she loves to drink her ice water.

I gave my son water around 4 months only b/c he had problems with constipation. Once he was on veggies, he was fine and I didn't start giving him water regularly (meaning several cups a day) until he was about 10 months old. He LOVES water. As long as you start giving it to them between 6 and 12 months, it should be fine, but you're really not supposed to give babies water under 6 months of age due to possible Water Intoxication (flushes out their electrolytes, which causes their brain to swell and in many cases causes death).

C. - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Jolene:

Boil the water, then give it to your baby when it is cool. Both my children have had water since 2 months old. Milk is a food for them, water is liquid, we dont eat everytime we are thirsty. As long as it is boiled, for at least 5 minutes you are fine, They will only drink what they need. Not juice though. My little girl inhales water, she loves it. Still loves the boob but time and place.

Have you looked at formula and breastmilk?? They are mostly water anyway! There is absolutely no need to put any baby in danger b/c they "aren't getting enough water". They are getting PLENTY!

. - posted on 12/02/2009

I haven't read all responses but I was told formula/breastmilk is a food drink and it is okay to give water as if they are thirsty, it doesn't always mean they are hungry.
Giving them water instead of juice is also good. My partner's daughter usually asks for water over soft drinks. Other wise watered down juice occaisionally is ok (after a certain age)

Emily - posted on 12/02/2009

I've also heard that formula or breastmilk is all a baby needs. But, I give my son water. He LIKES it. And, I think it is a good habit for them to get a little water & not always count on milk (or formula, etc) to drink. I did the same with my daughter and now she loves to drink her ice water.

Jolene - posted on 12/02/2009

Boil the water, then give it to your baby when it is cool. Both my children have had water since 2 months old. Milk is a food for them, water is liquid, we dont eat everytime we are thirsty. As long as it is boiled, for at least 5 minutes you are fine, They will only drink what they need. Not juice though. My little girl inhales water, she loves it. Still loves the boob but time and place.

Natasha - posted on 12/02/2009

I gave my twin boys water from an early age I think it was about 3 months. They are now 6 years old it never did them any harm. Especially the very hot weather we get here in Australia, its reccommended the give them water to keep babies, children etc fluids up. But you must make sure that the water is boiled. If in doubt ask you doctor

Elaine - posted on 12/02/2009

If you are still getting plenty of wet nappies from her then I wouldn't bother. Could it be other things such as teething or wanting more attention or maybe wanting to be left alone for a bit. Its the trouble with babies they can't say whats up so its always guessing whats up.

C. - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Preschas:

yes it is u are suppose to give them water really so u can keep their mouth clean of the milk! and it healthy to give thim like one bottle a day! but i dont remember how many ozs!

It is not necessary to give them plain water until 6 month old or older. And there are certain things to keep their mouths clean from the milk. It's called Infant Tooth and Gum Cleanser and comes with a baby-friendly "toothbrush" (the kind you put on your finger and it has soft silicone bristles).

Sarah - posted on 12/02/2009

just boil up a jug of water and keep it aside in the fridge to give to her when she is just thirsty, not hungry. i feel it is better to start these healthy habits like drinking water from an early age. just make sure it is boiled (cooled) not straight from the tap.

Preschas - posted on 12/02/2009

yes it is u are suppose to give them water really so u can keep their mouth clean of the milk! and it healthy to give thim like one bottle a day! but i dont remember how many ozs!

KARINA - posted on 12/02/2009

i gave water to my daughters since they were like a month old. i didnt listen to the doctors. and now they drink water fine. so its ok to give her water.

Mo - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Carrie:



Is it okay for me to give my 5 month old a little bit of water?



Sometimes she wines likes she's hungry and when I make her a bottle she only drinks like 2 oz. It's like she was just thirsty or something.

C. - posted on 12/02/2009

WATER INTOXICATION IS SERIOUS!!!!! How can you not understand this???? The baby gets enough water through breastmilk and/or formula. If your baby is dehydrated, give them that, but not plain water!!! You are not supposed to be giving babies plain water until at least 6 months old. If you DO give your baby water BEFORE 6 months old, I recommend only and ounce or two at the MAX! AND I wouldn't recommend giving ANY plain water to babies under 4 months. That's just ignorant! Otherwise you run the risk of either causing damage to your baby's brain or killing them due to Water Intoxication. They are not adults, people!!! Do no treat them like one!!!!!

Amy - posted on 12/02/2009

You can start given babys water from 1 month old!!

Dorothy - posted on 12/02/2009

Giving a baby water is fine as long as you consult your doctor first. i considered this with my first Daughter and was told not to because she was breastfed and when they are breastfed their sucking tells your body how much milk to make and that if i gave her water at the wrong time i might confuse her or i might get her signals mixed up and cause an upset in the balance of milk production versus how much she needed. with my second Daughter however i had the same issue you are having and again considered water but when i spoke to my doc he discovered that she was actually having a problem absorbing nutrients making her want to eat when her body wasnt hungry or not want to eat when her body needed to, we had alot of upset. eventually she did have water later after she went on formula to help her weight and all was fine.



do not give flouridated water though. i have a problem in my Mouth called overflouridation. this is caused by ingesting to much flouride over a period of time, i started getting it in kindergarden in Sask b/c it was in the water. It causes problems like root decay, tooth sesitivity, tooth discoloration, TMJ in some cases ect. i dont even give it to my older kids. in small doses at the dentist can be good but dont give something like that to a baby who is just starting to develop teeth!! Flouride is given because it is known to help strenghten teeth and such but in the wrong amoun or for the wrong amount of time flouride can have the opposite effect.

Tara - posted on 12/02/2009

Mabye.. if your giving her formula milk then she should be having water.. i think its better for them when you give them water.. since i put my daughter on water its much better.. do you feed her food as well as the milk?

Fiona - posted on 12/02/2009

I've been told by my health nurse and several midwives, that it is fine to give your baby 'boiled' water that's been cooled at 10 to 20 mls each time. We live in a hot climate and a couple of times I've breast fed my 5 month old and he has needed more because it's been so hot. After all, a large part of breast milk is water and you use water to put with formula, so the baby is already getting water. As long as it's cooled boiled water, I believe it's fine.

Mercy - posted on 12/02/2009

there,s no problem coz mine can even take half a bottle and hes five months old, baby's also do get thirsty too , but make sure your not giving him or her cold water

Tamara - posted on 12/02/2009

ive been giving my son water since birth he is omly 11 weeks old now so u can give to her anytime inbetween feeds or wen she sooks cause she abit thirsty but at any age i suppose

C. - posted on 12/01/2009

Quoting Jenna:

of course waters okay...its water!

Before a baby turns 6 months old, giving them water regularly you can run the risk of killing them. Here's how: 

A babies electrolytes can get flushed out very easily. Giving water to them can be harmful before 6 months of age. It can also block the absorption of nutrients from breastmilk or formula. In severe cases, the babies brain can swell, causing pressure which in turn can cause brain damage and even death. Water is ok.. but a TINY bit and ALWAYS consult your doctor before giving your baby water, even if they are older than 6 months. You want to be sure you don't give them too much water b/c it can harm them, just as it can harm adults.



It's called Water Intoxication. Just be careful!!!

C. - posted on 12/01/2009

Honestly, I did. Even though you're not supposed to b/c it can flush out their electrolytes and swell their brain, causing death in some cases. But my son had problems with constipation, so I had to give him something. I only gave him an ounce at a time and no more than once a day (b/c I was so scared his brain would swell I didn't want to give him too much). After 6 months though, you can give them water fairly regularly.

Pinky - posted on 12/01/2009

I was always told that it is good to give a baby water and that there is no harm in it but for a 5 month old no more than 50mls at a time cause it can make them sick.

Jenna - posted on 12/01/2009

of course waters okay...its water!

Charlene - posted on 12/01/2009

Perfectly ok..my baby is 5 months and at 4 months she had water..She also has to take medicine in water so its ok.

Janet - posted on 12/01/2009

I have 3 children and so many nieces and newphews ive lost count. I gave plain water to all of mine and they are all nearly grown now and are perfectly healthy. I also gave it to the others remember they are just like you only smaller they get tired of the same thing all the time.

Brooke - posted on 12/01/2009

i forgot to add i used cooled boiled water with NO SUGAR. there is no need for sugar if ur baby will drink plain water.

Brooke - posted on 12/01/2009

Cooled boiled water is fine from the time they r born. lots of bub's wont drink water though. My daughter is a formula baby as wasn't able to breast feed. but she got constipated due to the formula and it was treated with 5-10mls of water 4 times a day by the doctor n she still drinks water to this day 8 months later its great especially on a hot day.

Debbie - posted on 12/01/2009

yes a little water 2oz or 3 0z is good for a babies here a story for you My sister was bathing her newborn holding the baby under her arm and using the other hand to wash the soap off the baby hair.. everytime she would stork the baby face gentle the baby would suck the washcloth. my sister asked the baby doctor is this ok? The Doctor said your baby is thristy for water.

Triny - posted on 12/01/2009

I have 3 kids. 27, 22 and 19 years old. I gave all three of them water with a bit of sugar and they are healthy THIN and very fit adults. There is absolutely no problem in giving babies a little bit of sugar in their water. You can try and putting a little bit of baby applie juice in it and see if that works better. Or you can just try plain water too and see if they will drink it that way. Always remember though that it should be in small amounts after they have had their feeding. I just hope I am still around when my kids have their children. No knowledge is better than then the one experienced. Trust me I know I went thru it 3 times. It was the best time of my life. Enjoy your baby they grow super fast.:)

Lorraine - posted on 12/01/2009

I have been giving my baby water since she was a new born, aint hurt her, she had a op at 3 months old and the doctors told me that i could give her water it doesnt hurt them just make sure its boiled water.

Jessi - posted on 12/01/2009

As long as you're not using it as a food replacement. Water will fill a baby up, so make sure she's getting her milk too. I agree with the boiled sugar water in small amounts. All my babies (6 of them) were given small amounts. I do not agree, however, that you should give a baby flouridated water.

Triny - posted on 12/01/2009

I used to always have a small bottle of sugar water in case the baby would cry between feedings. Yes, babies get thirsty. Giving them a a bit of water between meals when they are crying is fine. Just a little sugar to give the water some taste - not too much and yes the water should be purified.