Are you concerned if your baby is thirsty and what quantity of water you need for your baby? The solution is easier, your baby does not need to drink water until they start eating solids at around 6 months of age. Even in hot weather conditions, they get all the hydration they need through breast milk or formula.
Your little ones organ responsible for filtering and processing water, the kidney, is not fully matured. Water is not a replacement for breastmilk or formula because that’s how they get all their nutrients.
Once your baby starts consuming other solids at least 6 months, they can be offered little quantities of water.
Water Intoxication in Babies
A baby can develop water intoxication when offered too much water. This happens when too much water offered dilutes the concentration of sodium in the body thereby tampering with the electrolyte balance and causing internal tissues and organs to swell.
Water intoxication can cause seizures, coma and brain damage.
Symptoms of Water Intoxication in Babies
- Vomiting
- Altered breathing
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Besides water intoxication, offering water to babies can make them too full to accept breast milk thereby making them nutrient deficient over time.