When can I give baby water?

Many people think that providing drinking water or water for babies should be normal and not dangerous. However, did you know that babies under six months cannot consume drinking water?

Infant health expert from California, USA, Dr. Alan Greene said the amount of water in breast milk and formula milk was enough to meet the needs of the baby. This includes water that comes out of urine, feces and lungs.

Even babies who are still breastfed don't need drinking water. Because breast milk is 88% and provides adequate fluid intake for babies. If the baby drinks enough, both with breast milk and formula milk, parents no longer need to worry about the possibility of dehydration.

Postpone water supply for babies
Why is it not recommended to provide water for babies under six months of age? The following explanation.

Decreased interest in breastfeeding:
Water tends to provide empty calories. As a result, the baby's interest in breastfeeding decreases. It is feared this can cause a decrease in baby's weight and increase in bilirubin levels.

Potential of water poisoning:

Water given to newborns can cause water poisoning, which dilutes other nutrients in the body.
 
Risk of dehydration:
Too much water can cause the baby's kidneys to dry out electrolytes and sodium, causing dehydration.

Water consumption guidelines for babies 6 to 12 months

During supplementary feeding (MPASI), babies can be introduced to drinking water. According to Kellymom, when solid food is given at the age of 5 to 6 months, baby milk consumption begins to decline, from 750 to 900 ml to 400 to 750 ml per day.

It also depends on the introduction of MPASI, the type of solid food and how it is consumed. The goal for babies aged 6 to 12 months is to ensure consumption of nutrients that are ideal for growth.

To achieve this goal, MPASI must start slowly and in several stages. Give water permitted. But because there is still formula milk and breast milk, babies don't need more than 60 to 120 ml of fluid a day.

Water consumption guidelines for babies over 12 months old
When the baby is 12 months old, ideally, the daily dose of breast milk is around 475 ml. Babies can start eating breakfast, lunch and dinner regularly.

Baby food activity has increased, as has food variations. Thus, the need for milk consumption is reduced. As a result, the baby will consume more water.

The US Department of Agriculture recommends that toddlers consume 1.3 liters of air a day from various food and beverage sources, including milk. Proper hydration will improve the health of the digestive system and prevent water shortages.

Make sure the child gets enough water. Use these tips to meet your toddler's water needs.
 
Drink a little, but often:

Get used to drinking all day. If you give fruit juice, make sure you do not exceed 120 ml per day so that children do not feel full with water.

Choose an attractive place of consumption:

Use colored glasses or straws to motivate your child.

See the weather and activities of children:

Give children to drink before, during and after moving, about 120 ml every 20 minutes. One sip about 30 ml.

Give food rich in water:

You can provide soup, fruit (watermelon, oranges and grapes). Also add lemon juice, lime juice or cucumber to enrich the flavor.

Providing water for babies prematurely can be dangerous. Because the baby's body is different from adults. The important thing is to always pay attention to the signs of dehydration in children. In addition, pay attention to a variety of children's daily activities. Therefore you can prepare the right intake, including drinks for children.

A pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Texas, USA Kristi King said, toddlers under 3 years recommend drinking 2 to 4 glasses of water a day. Meanwhile, children aged 2 to 5 years are advised to drink 5 glasses of water a day.

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