Contents:
- Medical Video: Why Babies Can't Drink Water
- The right time for babies to drink water
- Why can't babies drink water first?
- Breast milk is the most important intake for babies
Medical Video: Why Babies Can't Drink Water
Doctors and health experts from various parts of the world do not recommend that babies drink water until they are even 6 months old. Even when the weather is hot, the baby will not become dehydrated even if only given ASI or formula milk.
The right time for babies to drink water
Some sips of water are not dangerous, but consult a doctor before giving water to babies under 6 months.
The following is a guide for you to check to start when you can drink water for babies.
From birth - 3 months
Newborns should not be given water because their small stomach can only receive milk. In addition, giving water to the baby will disrupt the electrolyte balance in the body and can affect brain and heart function.
4-6 months
Although not dangerous, giving water at this age is not recommended. According to research, breastfed babies do not need additional water intake, even in tropical places when the temperature is above 37.7 ° C every day.
Meanwhile, formula-fed babies may be allowed to drink water (about 1-2 ounces) when the weather is very hot. However, consult a doctor before giving water to the baby. Remember! Water cannot replace the role of breast milk, and formula milk should not be diluted with additional water.
5-7 months
At this age, babies are able to hold objects and can learn to drink themselves from a glass. Give the baby a special glass so he can sip water easily. Choose a glass that can hold about 4-6 ounces of water. Fill water until full, so the baby does not need to raise his head when drinking. Large and full-sized glasses of water may be too heavy for your little one to use. So use a smaller and lighter size.
Why can't babies drink water first?
Giving you drinking water can make your baby's stomach bloat quickly. In the end, drinking water can reduce his desire to drink breast milk or formula so that the process of absorption of nutrients from milk can be disrupted.
In addition, Dr. Jennifer Anders of the Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital in Baltimore warned parents not to immediately give water at the age of babies who are still early age. Eating too much water can make babies risk water poisoning, and that can be fatal.
Because the baby's kidney organ has not functioned properly. If babies drink too much water, their bodies can remove too much salt along with the water they drink. This imbalance of body fluids will interfere with brain activity. The earliest symptoms usually appear are drowsiness and weakness.Other symptoms of water poisoning include a condition of low body temperature, a swollen body (usually on the face), up to seizures.
Breast milk is the most important intake for babies
Breast milk is a baby's intake that is very good for baby's growth. Breast milk contains vitamins, fat, protein and all the nutrients the body needs. So, giving breast milk to babies, from the time they are born to the age of 2 years is an important thing that is given to the mother as much as possible to her baby.
Breast milk for the baby's body is also easier to digest than formula milk. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of babies suffering from asthma or allergies.
Plus, babies who are exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months are more resistant to ear infections, respiratory diseases such as asthma, and diarrhea attacks. It's okay to give water to the baby, but based on the recommendations above, it is better to give water when he can consume it MPASI.
