Should a Baby Drink Water?

Whether a baby is given water, to drink, or not, will depend on the baby’s age and health condition. Until a baby is eating solid food, drinking water is usually not necessary. The milk a baby drinks provides all the liquid the baby needs. After solid food has been introduced, the water will help the baby with digestion. Up until then, their bodies have been used to an all liquid diet. Because of this, without water being introduced into their diet, they may have problems moving their bowels. However, it is important to not give the baby too much drinking water.

Babies should only get 2-4 ounces of water a day. If the baby is in hot weather, they may have more. In hot weather, milk may not sit too well inside their tummy. If the baby is under 12 months of age, too much water can do more harm than good. If the baby isn’t feeling well, or is constipated, tap water which has been boiled and cooled may help them feel better.

When attempting to give a baby some drinking water, they may reject it. The baby has only been used to getting milk. They don’t recognize the “taste” of water, so initially, they may not drink it. Just like anything, with a baby, after repeated exposure, they will become used to it.

What’s important to keep in mind, is the need for the babies body to have liquids. Chances are good, that when the baby starts eating solid foods, they will taper off on how much milk they drink. Because of the solid foods, their body will actually need an increase in liquids. There will be an increased need for liquids, but less milk being drank, therefore, the water will become essential. Juice can be used to give the baby some of their daily liquid intake. However, juice should only be given in limited quantities. Water is the best thirst quencher for your baby, and the healthiest option.

The Problems with a Baby Drinking Water

Drinking water may pose some problems for your baby. If the baby drinks too much water, they may not want to eat because they are too full. They also still need to drink milk, but if they are drinking too much water, they may not want the milk. Giving the baby too much water can also cause some problems. The baby may wind up with a bloated tummy or tummy aches. You need to strike a good balance with how much water your baby drinks. Your pediatrician should be able to help you with this. Any tap water given to the baby should be boiled and cooled down first. You need to boil the water for sterilization purposes, to protect the baby from germs.

A more serious problem is if there is a high nitrate count in the water. High nitrates, in the water, given to an infant can cause a condition called “blue baby.” A baby’s stomach contains less acidic digestive acids than those in an adult. Because their digestive acids are less acidic, there is a better chance for bacteria to grow inside the baby’s tummy. The nitrate in the water combines with the hemoglobin in the baby’s blood and creates a problem. Together, they form met hemoglobin. When this happens, the baby’s blood stream doesn’t carry oxygen around the body as efficiently as it should.

When the baby isn’t getting the proper oxygen throughout the body, it will turn the skin a bluish tint. Unfortunately, water that has high nitrate levels isn’t helped by boiling it. In fact, boiling the high nitrate water actually increases the level of nitrates in the water. If you see any symptoms of this condition, medical attention must be sought immediately. This problem is most prevalent in rural areas. So long as the nitrate levels in the water are below 50mg/liter, the water would be considered safe for drinking.