is it ok to give my baby just baby water?

Jessica - posted on 04/06/2010

How old is your baby? For babies under 6 months they do not need water, they get all their hydration and nutrients from breastmilk or formula. In fact giving water that young can be bad for them because it fills them up and takes away from the amount of nutrition they need to be getting. For babies over 6 months giving small amounts (like 2-4 oz) a day is ok. It can help hydrate them if its very hot, can help with digestion of solid foods and is good for sippy cup practice. But, like another poster said, it still shouldn't replace feedings. I've started giving my 9 month old small amounts with meals for sippy cup practice.

Melisa - posted on 04/06/2010

A baby that young should get enough hydration from breastmilk (or formula). Just keep in mind, It will take up space in their belly for the more important nutrients that they will receive from the milk they are fed.

Chloe - posted on 04/06/2010

yes its fine thats all my lil boys had since he was born. the onli thing i do, do is boil it first then he has it wen its cooled down as they say thats best for them til ther bout 8months give or take.

Christin - posted on 04/05/2010

yes, we started giving ours water from the tap at 2 months. the dr said it was ok bc it will help her stay hydrated. they say not until 4 months but we did it early but she could handle it. each baby is different, but we gave ours water,my friends been giving hers pedialite since he came home from the hospital and his mom said waters ok and she raised 3 kids. my dr said if they can handle it theres nothing wrong with it.

Sarah - posted on 04/05/2010

A baby under 6 months should only be getting milk for their feedings. They get all the water they need from their milk. Water given instead of milk for a feeding gives them no nutrients, which at that age is SO important for them to get. From 6-12 months water is not a need, but you can give up to about 4 ounces (BUT NOT FOR A FEEDING). I only did water in their sippy cups at that age. I did not want the mess of milk and they were just learning so not getting much water at all, but would be able to get something to drink when they used the sippy correctly.

Autum - posted on 04/05/2010

I was told that it could wash the nutrients out of there body. but if it is really hot and they are sweating a lot i could give him pedialyte to get the right amount of fluids and stuff.

Deidre - posted on 04/05/2010

When my daughter was an infant, I aked her pediatrician the same question. Her doctor said that as a baby under 1, they don't need water because all of their nutritional needs are met through formula and food. It's definatly a question you should ask your doctor though because each child if different. You can always ask at your next appointment or see if your doctor's office has nurse you could speak with about it, which they would get the answer from the doctor for you.