not sure if I should give my 5 week old water!!!!

Jenna - posted on 07/21/2010

Ok, ladies, I'm locking this thread down. I 'm sure the OP has been given more than enough information on the issue. This thread has been going off topic due to in-fighting between posters. Please, if you have questions as to why this was closed, then review the NO T.H.U.MP.S. guidelines on the top of the conversation forum.

Thank you. Jenna, Moderator

Kimbery - posted on 07/21/2010

I asked my doctor about this too... He said water is not needed because they get enough fluids within the milk that they recieve during their feeding. I would just try to feed them more at the feeding time of the formula or milk.

Sam - posted on 07/21/2010

Just read some of the other comments, well it would be the first I have ever heard that water will damage anyone, I was told by one of the Country's best OB's that water is needed with most babies, if there fluid is not kept up you are depriving the baby's brain of hydration so who has the under achieving baby????? If water was damaging we would all be dead!!!

Sam - posted on 07/21/2010

I did with both of my two the second one from just a week old all I did was make sure it was boiled water it was all fine! My three sisters done the same with all theres as well!

Amanda - posted on 07/21/2010

With both of my daughters, I started giving them that baby water as soon as i got home from the hospital. They loved it too. It will not hurt them

Brandy - posted on 07/21/2010

Your baby does not need water, they get all the nutrition from their formula, I have heard it's not good for them at that age anyways, would not take the chance try giving a half to an ounce of more milk may just be growing and needs a little extra formula.

Shamekia - posted on 07/21/2010

Gosh people it is not that serious. Honey you should really talk to your child's doctor as all babies are different. My baby has been taking water since a few weeks as well as cereal in her bottle because my breastmilk was not enough. My mother did the same thing to me and she gave me the advice as well as I got the okay from my doctor. I am a happy healthy adult.Never had one seizure or anything. I am also considered to be in the top percentile of people. SOOO what I'm basically saying is: drinking water does not make your baby smart (@ some people who are saying all this stuff about genius and things like that which are so off subject it's not even funny), not drinking water does not make your baby smarter. My baby is advanced for her age. Her doctors say so and so does everyone who meets her.

@Monique: Exactly. Do not replace a feeding with water. Water is fine in moderation. Formula fed babies are often overfed which leads to weight issues. A little water is actually good for formula fed babies who are not exhibiting signs of hunger. Forcing them to eat is not good to do. Breast fed babies are different. However, I know my milk did not let down properly and so I was told to give my daughter water. Every mother is different as well as every child.

Monique - posted on 07/21/2010

Water is fine in moderation. That does not mean go and give him 5 oz of water; small amount like you said is fine, it won't harm your child in anyway. Water is healthy, its not like you are trying to give your baby soda. As long as you do not replace the baby's food with water..it is ok.
Good Luck

Tina - posted on 07/21/2010

waters fine as long as its boiled and cooled first. sometimes it helps baby with wind.

Whitney - posted on 07/21/2010

i think water is ok. the doctors say dnt give it to them until they are old enough. they give it to them while u are in the hospital. my daughter was a few days old and her urine spelled like adult urine. i took her to the doc and they tried to give her this med that didnt work. i went home and gave her water for 2 days and it cleared up the strong sent. she is 2 and i had no problems with the water.

Stayce - posted on 07/21/2010

I was told not to give my baby water because their little bodies have so much water already, they don't need it. Maybe he just wants something to still suck or chew on. Maybe he will take a pasifier or just needs a little extra milk.

Suzanne - posted on 07/21/2010

My health visitor told me that formula fed babies do need extra fluid especially this time of year, she said no more than a couple of ounces. my lil one is 5 weeks old and feeds every 3 - 4 hours 6oz of milk, so i give him cooled boiled water no later than 2 hrs after the last feed if he is crying like he wants to be fed so i know it doesn't interfere too much in his next feed. I tried giving him milk at this time but he became constipated and cried with tummy ache. Water has helped keep his bowels regular and helped the small colic he has. This is my second child, I also gave water to my first child on health visitor advice, no harm done :)

Shalonda - posted on 07/21/2010

You can give him water My docor told me I could give my daughter water just at 3 weeks and she is now 6 weeks and doing just fine so water is ok

Amanda - posted on 07/21/2010

Ha. I guess I'm. Going to have to be a bitch to....I gave my son water, as advised by the dr. And cereal. Somebabies. Do get hungrier then others sometimes formula doesn't cut it. My son has been three mos ahead in devolpment since he was two weeks. And how do you know your baby is a genious? At four and a half? Really. Ha. Seriously my son crawled at 5 mos and is walking now at nine mos. And said his first word at 6. So I don't think water made his mentally challenged. Seriously? Its summer. , granted some water has more chemicals then others....boil it, filter it. Ask your dr before you trust some of these people..... oh and my baby is a genious. I guess some people shouldn'thave kids....

Lily - posted on 07/21/2010

ok i would that it all depends on where you live basically. I used to live in Arizona, where it would reach at 115 in the summer. My doctor for my preemie baby said to give her water but only every once in a while. he said that it helps to keep them hydrated.

Felicitas - posted on 07/21/2010

u shouldnt give ur baby water till they are 6 months... just give the baby more at the feeding i always up it like 1/2 an oz if the baby is still hungry

Mandalynn - posted on 07/21/2010

You know every one has their own ways, I always gave my children water, yes even at 2 weeks, its the summer they get thirsty and hot just like we do.. If you feel he is thirsty then by all means give him some water, I did, My son Conner is 4 1/2 years old, and my daughter Gracie is 7 months.. and both my kids are perfectly fine

Dana - posted on 07/21/2010

whoever said to put baby cereal in the milk bottle is wrong. You should never do that.

Dana - posted on 07/21/2010

I was told by my doctor not to give a newborn ANYTHING except breast milk or formula. He's probably hungry and going through a growth spurt and if he's breast fed they shouldn't be on a schedule of set feedings.

Kelley - posted on 07/21/2010

a very small amount of water won't hurt him. it sounds like you and his dr. are working on things like you should, have you tried a pacifer? sometimes young babies need the extra sucking time! lol Just don't give him to much water because it can be harmful. What does his dr say about the water?

Aezia - posted on 07/21/2010

I would not give him water at all... I will tell you from experience... My son was born 01-22-08 and on 02-05-08 I gave him about 1/2 oz. of water becuse he seemed so hungry but just got done eating... 15 minutes later he went into a seizure and spent 23 days in Childrens Mercy Hospital... They blammed it on the sodium in the water... PLEASE dont give him water!! By the way he is gorgeous!!

Nicole - posted on 07/21/2010

When my son was born he was very fussy and spit up alot. We found out his asaphagas (spelling) was not fully connected yet and he was also allergic to my breast milk. We ended up going through 2 formulas and I was having such a hard time with all the crying and feeling like an awful mother. Once put onto soy milk after about 3 days he started doing so much better. It is hard and everyone has different opinions but stay stong keep up the faith and enjoy your bundle of joy.

Jenna - posted on 07/21/2010

No water... It can impeed that young of a baby's development and growth by staving off hunger. He gets all his fluids from breastmilk or formula. A baby that young probably nurses about every 2 hours, or takes a bottle around every 3 hours.

Stephanie - posted on 07/21/2010

no water. try to give him more formula when he eats.

Amanda - posted on 07/21/2010

I gave my son water that young! He also started on cereal at 6 weeks. Now he loves water and is doing great!

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/21/2010

This is from the american academy of family physicians
"Parents should not give their newborn bottles of water, because this may cause hyponatremia"

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/21/2010

This is copied from the center for disease control
"Human milk and infant formula provide infants with sufficient quantities of water for growth and for replacement of water lost through the skin, lungs, feces, and urine. Supplemental water generally is not indicated for healthy infants who are not yet receiving solid foods (i.e., breast-fed or formula-fed), except possibly during hot weather for formula-fed infants (9). Physicians and other health-care providers should discourage parents from using water (either tap or bottled) as a supplement for infants aged less than 6 months and should advise parents that children of any age who have diarrhea or vomiting should be given oral rehydration solution instead of solute-free water (10). Parents, guardians, and other child-care providers should be educated about the potential hazard solute-free water poses to the health of infants if used inappropriately. Cases of hyponatremia associated with excessive water intake should be reported to the local health department. "

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/21/2010

This is copied from the american academy of pediatrics.
"Until your baby starts eating solid foods, he’ll get all the water he needs from breastmilk or formula. In the first six months, additional water or juice is generally unnecessary for breastfed or bottle-fed infants. After a bottle-fed baby is six months old, you may offer him water between feedings, but don’t force it on him or worry if he rejects it. He may prefer to get the extra liquid from more frequent feedings. Breastfed infants generally do not need extra water if they are permitted adequate access to the breast for feeding.

Once your baby is eating solid foods, his need for liquid will increase. Getting your infant used to the taste of plain water is a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. Juice is not recommended"

JoNita - posted on 07/21/2010

There is nothing wrong with giving your baby water. I have done it with both of my kids. I did baby cereal pretty early too and they are both fine.

Amanda - posted on 07/21/2010

i wouldnt give him water this early maybe at 4 or 5 months would b better they dont need water at 5 weeks i was thinking about doing that to but my doc sayed no that is to early..but if he is still hungry then feed him more it isnt bad to feed him more then 4 ounce i started to feed my baby at 5 weeks like almost 5 ounce clost to 6 ounces b.c he just was hungry all the time..and babys r like that sometimes they fuss alot my child did that and it got me soo irradiated i couldnt feed him the rest b.c he was so fussy then i learned how to b paysent

Charlotte - posted on 07/21/2010

Yes, it won't do him any harm whatsoever. If water calms him then do give him a little, it's better than over-feeding him. Here in France it's recommended by all the professionals and especially when its hot. As long as he's getting enough milk I don't see any problem. I gave water to all 3 of mine and from a few weeks old and they've always been very healthy babies and kids.

Zoe - posted on 07/21/2010

my son is 9 weeks and since he was around 5 to 6 weeks i was giving him some water hes fine water wont hurt them formula is just food for them

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/21/2010

NO WATER before 4 months, preferably 6 months. Only in EXTREME hot weather if formula fed. Only small amounts. Baby CAN die from water shock. Dont listen to old wives tales. NO WATER

Kakeria - posted on 07/21/2010

No water. I was advised by my daughters docotor not to give her water becaus eshe gets everything she needs from milk.

Leanne - posted on 07/21/2010

yes do give him water, it does him no harm at all, as all babies get dehydrated, and water in between feeds is ok! milk is food, not drink to a baby, so yes go ahead and give him water!!! x as long as its been boiled and cooled first of course!!! x

Amber - posted on 07/21/2010

i didn't give my son water until he was 5 months old, and it was in a sippy cup, no bottles

Michelle - posted on 07/21/2010

I had the same prob with my little one and although i swore against it i gave in and gave her a dummy...no more fussing all it seems she wanted was to suck.

Mary - posted on 07/21/2010

Try burping him instead!

Marty - posted on 07/21/2010

He technically shouldn't be getting any water. If he fusses in between feedings it may be that he's gassy, or tired, but I thought he could be just thirsty enough for you go to water. If he's still hungry, formula first. At that age, anyways.

Vanessa - posted on 07/21/2010

I used to give my daughter cooled boiled water as they get thirsty and even more so in warm weather, you think coz they are drinking milk all the time doesnt mean it quences thirst, I asked myself doesnt milk quence your thirst??? Or if you are unsure ask your midwife :-) x

Aubrey - posted on 07/21/2010

honestly try putting a little it of baby cereal in his bottle. not a lot but enough to make it a littl ethicker.. he will get fuller and wont be as hungry in between feedings.. the only reason i say this is because thats what i had to do with my little girl when she was only 3 weeks old.

Andriette - posted on 07/21/2010

Good idea. Give him some cooled off boiled water. Does more good than harm.

Shamekia - posted on 07/21/2010

Goat's milk is NOT good for your baby. It is in not similar enough to human milk. If nothing else get the soy formula because it is infused with things that your baby needs still.

Tania - posted on 07/21/2010

Are you breastfeeding ??? There is lots of water in your breastmilk already, he shouldn't need more water.
If he is still hungry, give him milk, not water.

Emma - posted on 07/20/2010

ok so should have read the barrage of replies before I replied.
so as far as my midwifery training goes, never put salt or sugar in the water, you could get the electrolyte balance wrong and also mess with his feeding later (ie only eat sugary foods = gum disease).
a little in emergencies only, and feed with formula on cue.
if he is spitting up then try donated breast milk, if you can't breast feed yourself. formula has many issues such as hard curds vs the soft breast milk curds causing constipation, lactose and milk protein allergies causing reflux

if you don't have access to donated breast milk then try goats milk, which has a very small amount of lactose and is more digestible.

you will get there sweetie, have faith

Emma - posted on 07/20/2010

well hun water has no nutrients, so your esentially just filling him till he empties for the real deal. basically water unless its been boiled and cooled will carry bacteria, your milk is already "clean" of bacteria (except from the bacteria from your skin which is essential for developing his immune system). check the World Health Organisation's views on water.
water is ok for emergencies such as your not there (small amount given by friend/family till you get back to him won't hurt).
however the fussing could be for a couple of reasons.
1), your not feeding for long enough and hence he is not receiving the hind milk therefore hungry,
2) your baby has wind
3) he could be allergic to dairy or gluten in your diet and this could make him a little achy
4) could just be wanting cuddles, don't forget babies want to be stimulated and a nice chat/singalong could be great for your baby.

hope this helps babe

Shamekia - posted on 07/20/2010

I would just put that extra 1/2 oz in with his formula. I mix my daughter's formula for the day and I always make sure there is slightly more water and once it's mixed she can't even tell the difference. hope that helps. she was on water when she was less than a month, but that was per doctor's orders.

Christine - posted on 07/20/2010

water before 4 months is a bad idea. babies get all the fluids they need from the milk. if your having problems with your little one spitting up, i'd try changing your formula. i was giving my baby similac and had no problems until i gave her infamil. she started spitting up every time i gave it to her.

Jenee - posted on 07/20/2010

No Water. As others have said. Your baby gets all the water that he needs from the breast milk or formula that he drinks. Break milk/ Formula is made up of 80% water. Also giving too much water can fill your babies stomach making them not eat as much as they should. All doctors and the AAP say that water should be introduced at 6 months or older.

Too much water can also lead to water intoxication. Which in severe cases can lead to seizures.

Katherine - posted on 07/20/2010

i would change formulas first. My daughter had a lactose sensativity and that helped with the throwing up a lot. also dont put him down right after feeding him or let him sleep... that makes them gassy for some reason lol. and honestly I gave my baby water on a couple of really hot days and she is JUST fine. You are his mom and you know your baby better than anyone! do what you think is right!