Should you give water to your newborn baby or just milk will suffice?

Water is the most hydrating beverage you can consume as an adult. It satisfies your thirst and maintains the equilibrium of all of your systems. If you have a newborn, you probably worry about giving them the nutrition and fluids they need to keep healthy. Is the amount of breast milk or formula your baby consumes sufficient to keep them hydrated? Yes. What you should know is as follows.

It's because until a few months after birth, newborns' bodies aren't prepared for water. They are susceptible to nutrition loss and water intoxication due to their small stomachs and developing kidneys. A baby's belly actually only has room for 1 to 2 teaspoons, or 5 to 10 millilitres. Consequently, it makes sense that one risk of giving your baby water is that you'll be filling their stomach with a really rather useless material (at least to a baby) and leaving no room for those vitamins, minerals, fats, and calories that are so essential for growth and development. This deficiency may lead to significant issues.

For the first few months, babies typically don't require water; even when you do, your infant will only need a few sips. However, infants and toddlers don't require as much water as adults do. In fact, it might be harmful to them. All of a baby's fluid needs are met by breast milk or formula.

Consider testing your water before using it to create infant formula or giving a baby water for the first time. While tap water may contain fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay, it may also have lead levels that are dangerous for infants. With a few exceptions, the RO water is safe. If your water hasn't been tested, install a filtration system or switch to readily available distilled water.

Babies need slightly more than half a cup of water each day starting at the age of 6 months. While some babies might want more, others—particularly breastfed infants—might not require any additional. But before you give your child water, find out from your paediatrician how much of it she approves of.

Your toddler requires four cups of drink every day between the ages of one and three. Water and breastmilk or formula should be consumed during this changeover period. Your baby will require more water as they age. You may encourage your child to drink enough water in a number of ways.

Also Read: How to increase your kids’ water intake in winter?