Having a child can generate great doubts, especially if it is the first. When parents see their child for the first time, many uncertainties may arise, such as if he was born with the correct weight or if he measures what he should be; however, the questions only keep multiplying as time goes by, as new ones start to emerge every day and they fear that they are not caring for their baby correctly.
To eliminate all doubts and proceed in the best way with the upbringing of the child, it is essential to carry out rigorous consultations with the pediatrician so that he can evaluate the child and, at the same time, can help the parents with any their questions. One of the most frequent is when to start giving water to the baby, so we want to offer you all the information on the subject in the following FastlyHealarticle. Despite this, do not forget to consult and ask a specialist before changing the child’s routine life.
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When do babies start drinking water?
Generally, specialists advise parents that the child be breastfed with breast milk for up to 6 months of life; however, this may vary depending on each particular case, so it is essential always strictly to follow the specialist’s instructions.
After this time, expanding the child’s menu will be more educational than nutritional since the milk will continue to be their leading food. Therefore, it will not be necessary for the baby to ingest additional water because breast milk has a 90 % of water. In other words, a newborn will not need any other food or liquid during the first six months of life since breast milk will be its leading food until its first year because it has the necessary nutrients for its proper development during that stage.
The mother’s milk can change significantly over time and depend on the amount the child drinks; it is usually advised not to limit the baby’s demand and to breastfeed without waiting for a fixed time between each feeding. This will help your child feel complete both when hungry and thirsty.
Once the child reaches six months, parents should begin to include different foods little by little so that when he gets one year, the little one has a diet similar to that of an adult, so from the sixth month it is the moment when you can start giving water to the baby; however, there is no need to worry if he does not want to drink it as the mother will have to continue to breastfeed or the adapted formula milk recommended by the specialist in charge.
Many women may be afraid when it is boiling and think that the baby may become dehydrated by not drinking water; however, this is incorrect. Breast milk can adapt to the needs of the child and can keep it perfectly hydrated even when there is a high ambient temperature.
However, it is essential that, on sweltering days, the mother offers the breast to her child much more frequently than usual so that the little one does not become dehydrated and obtains the necessary liquid and nutrients.
What kind of water to give a baby?
As you begin to incorporate food and water into the child’s life, new doubts may arise, for example, whether it is necessary to start offering the baby mineral water and not plain water. This is important to consult with a specialist since although mineral water is suitable for children, it is essential to know what water to offer them since not all are ideal.
Generally, it is advisable to choose waters with weak mineralization and those that contain less sodium. Otherwise, it could be harmful to the baby and cause some alteration in their kidneys because they are developing and can They are affected by large amounts of sodium.
Another ubiquitous question is whether the child should start incorporating the water with a glass or bottle, but, once again, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician; however, the choice will depend on the age of the baby and the diet with which he was living. Despite this, it is more common that the best option is a glass since, in a short time, the child will have to start eating and drinking like an adult, that is, with a plate and cutlery, so remove the breast and replace it with a bottle would not be the most appropriate.
You can choose to use the children’s anti-spill cups to prevent the little one from throwing his glass and spilling the water anywhere.
Signs of lack of water in a baby
While breast milk can keep a baby hydrated, it is essential always to be alert to know when fluid is lacking. If the child is active, with abundant saliva, urinates regularly, and his stool is not so hard, the little one is adequately hydrated.
If not, the baby may show various signs such as dry mouth, a significant reduction in saliva production is observed; urine becomes darker and thicker while urinating much less frequently, and in the case of stools, their texture changes considerably, and they become more brutal, so it could make it difficult for them to defecate and for the child to cry on the spot because of the pain.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.