Water consumption is crucial for good health and wellbeing. During birth, babies have the most bodily water, at around 78%. By age 1, that proportion falls to roughly 65%.
What does this mean for infants, though? Should they consume water all day long like the rest of us? It depends, is the response. Find out how much water your baby needs and when to start giving it to them by reading on. How To Get Infants To Drink Water
Why is water consumption crucial for infants?
Everyone, even infants, should drink water since it performs so many essential bodily processes. Water aids in the body’s absorption of nutrients, lubricates joints, and controls digestion and body temperature.
Adults typically consider their daily water consumption when determining how much water they need to suit their demands. Babies, however, satiate their requirements quite differently. More on that is below!
Although breastmilk or formula should still be a baby’s primary beverage until the age of one year, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises introducing water to infants as early as six months. Water is the next best beverage to choose, followed by pure cow’s or nondairy milk. How To Get Infants To Drink Water
When may I give my infant water?
When babies start eating solids, usually about 6 months old, they can start drinking small amounts of water. At mealtimes, provide a few sips of water from an open cup or straw cup.
Whatever water you give your infant at this age is intended to help them become acclimated to its taste and develop the skills necessary for drinking from a cup. It is not meant to take the place of breastmilk or formula, which still give your infant all the water they require.
Read Also: Benefits Of Soy Formula
Even on hot days, babies under 6 months old shouldn’t be given water or any other liquids besides breastmilk or formula, which are plenty. Water introduction too early or water dilution of formula or breastmilk can be harmful to your baby since it alters the electrolyte balance in the blood and increases the risk of seizures.
What much of water should newborns consume?
From day to day and from one newborn to the next, their needs for water might differ significantly. Hydration requirements may vary depending on the weather and degree of activity. In addition, foods high in water content including fruit, vegetables, and soup can help you drink more water. How To Get Infants To Drink Water
Keeping an eye on your baby’s diapers is the greatest method to determine if they are getting enough water. In order to show that a baby is well hydrated, their diapers should be wet at least six times every day. If you don’t notice that, keep an eye out for additional dehydration symptoms and consult your child’s pediatrician.
How should I give the baby water?
- For supper and snacks
For meals and snacks, start by giving your baby tiny quantities of water. This enables your infant to become accustomed to the taste of plain water and begin learning how to sip from a cup. In order to avoid replacing breastmilk or formula, it is preferable to limit water intake to no more than 1 to 2 oz at a time. Wait until your baby is eating larger meals before moving to the higher end of the range. - In a mug
Giving babies water in a cup enables parents to teach them lifetime skills like using a cup or straw to sip. Use cups that are the right size for their small hands, and don’t be hesitant to assist them if they need it. Beginning with little amounts of water and work your way up as baby masters drinking from a cup. - Think about foods
Your baby’s total water consumption is influenced by fruits, vegetables, and anything that is liquid at room temperature, such as soup or popsicles. When you look at your baby’s food intake as well, you may find that they are getting more than it seems like they are drinking. Sometimes it may feel like your baby isn’t drinking a lot of liquid. - In a popsicle or smoothie
Homemade smoothies and popsicles are a fun way to introduce new fruits and vegetables and to serve water. Due to their ability to pack a lot of nutrition and calories into a compact space, they can be very helpful for babies who require extra calories or nutrients. - The entire day
You can start providing additional water throughout the day after your baby becomes one year old. Let them know there is a cup available in the kitchen or playroom so they can use it as needed.
