It might seem harmless to give your baby a little water, but health experts strongly advise against giving water to infants under six months of age. Babies have unique nutritional and developmental needs, and water can interfere with their delicate balance. Here’s why water should wait until your baby is a bit older.
Water Can Disrupt Electrolyte Balance
A baby’s kidneys are still developing, which makes it hard for them to process large amounts of water. Too much water can dilute the sodium levels in their blood, leading to a condition called water intoxication. This can cause symptoms like irritability, drowsiness, low body temperature, or in severe cases, seizures. Water intoxication is rare but serious, making it important to avoid giving water to babies under six months.
Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies
Filling a baby’s tummy with water can also reduce their intake of breastmilk or formula. A newborn’s tiny stomach—for context, about the size of an egg at one month old—fills quickly, making every feed essential. Giving water takes up space meant for nutrient-rich breastmilk or formula, reducing vital calories and nutrients. Since water has no nutritional value, it can lead to poor weight gain and deficiencies, disrupting healthy growth and development.
Breastmilk and Formula Provide Everything Babies Need
Breastmilk and formula provide all the hydration and nutrition babies need in their early months. Giving water dilutes these vital nutrients and fills their tiny stomachs, leaving less room for essential calories. For formula-fed babies, following preparation instructions is crucial. Adding extra water to stretch the formula can lead to malnutrition and increase the risk of water intoxication.
When Is It Safe to Offer Water?
Babies can usually begin having small amounts of water once they start solids, around six months old. At this stage, water can complement their breastmilk or formula feeds, especially with meals. However, even after six months, water should be introduced gradually and in small amounts, with breastmilk or formula remaining their primary source of nutrition until age one.
Keeping Your Baby Hydrated
If you’re concerned about your baby staying hydrated, frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding is the best solution. For babies over six months, a few sips of water during meals or on particularly hot days is safe, but avoid giving large amounts. Understanding why babies can’t have water in their early months can help keep your little one safe and healthy. By sticking to breastmilk or formula, you’re giving your baby everything they need for optimal growth and development during this crucial stage of life.
