My 10 day old baby cousin was given a tiny amount of water to drink today by her mom as her lips were dry and she thought that the baby may be dehydrated. All the aunties including her MIL encourage water to be given to babies (a small amount of water) but the doctors do not recommend it at all.
Apparently, in the recent years, doctors discourage against babies drinking water Has the milk as water content. However, the desi aunties say water is essential and my mom, aunt and even myself were given some water when babies. Thus my aunt finally gave in and decided to give the baby water.
milk has enuf water content so the baby will NOT dehyderate as long as he/she is having enuf of it. desi women go mostly by traditions which, however, does NOT conform with latest scientific facts. water may have contaminants so better stay away until the time baby's immune system kicks in more strongly.
Well I gave my baby water bc she was taking formula n was having thrush problem n her doc suggested to give water so tht no residues of milk are left in her mouth but I used to give very little water just a teaspoon
If there is fear of dehydration for a baby - give the baby a bath ... the amount of water soaked by the skin plus the milk will inshaAllah ensure baby is okay ...
*In general, it’s not a good idea to give your baby water until he’s about 6 months old. Until then, he’ll get all the hydration he needs from breast milk or formula, even in hot weather.
* Giving a baby younger than 6 months old too much water can interfere with his body’s ability to absorb the nutrients in breast milk or formula. It can also cause his tummy to feel full, which curbs his desire to feed. (While small sips of water probably won’t hurt your baby, it’s best to check with his doctor beforehand during those first six months.) In rare cases, a baby who drinks too much water can develop a condition known as water intoxication, which can cause seizures and even a coma. Water intoxication happens when too much water dilutes the concentration of sodium in the body, upsetting the electrolyte balance and causing tissues to swell.
Adding too much water to your baby’s formula not only risks water intoxication, it means that your baby is taking in fewer nutrients than he needs. Carefully follow the package directions for mixing powdered or concentrated formula and don’t try to stretch formula by using more than the recommended amount of water.
The reason newborns shouldn't have water is that it fills up their little bellies, and they have less interest in the milk. They need the essential nutrients, calories, and antibodies in their milk, and if they do not have enough, it will affect their growth. Milk has everything newborns need.
The occasional sip of water won't hurt the baby, probably. But I would not encourage it.
my relatives n friends were also insisting on giving a spoon of water everyday but i didnt give him yet...and he is totally fine with it
i will start just a teaspoon or a tablespoon from 6months inshaAllah!
breastmilk contains enough water to soothe the baby....