Water

[JenL]

Just wanting to know if I should be giving bubs water. He is now 90% FF as my milk supply is just
too low.

Should I be giving him just plain water and if so how much and how often?

[JenL]

Anyone??

[bada]

As far as I know, babies should not be given straight water until solids are introduced. But I have never used formula, and I'm not sure if you are meant to make it waterier depending on climate etc. I'm sure someone will have the answers though...

[HappyLittleChappy]

There is a great debate about babies and water and it's caused a stir on BubHub quite a few times before today.


You asked opinions and here is mine :)

I gave my son water between feeds. I would offer it after a feed but not too close to the next one as I didn't want to fill up his tummy with water and have him refuse the milk later on.

My opinion is that milk is a babies food, and when you're thirsty you don't necessarily want food just water/fluids. So on that thought I wasn't going to refuse my son water.

I would fill a bottle to probably half a normal milk feed amount but with water and allow him to drink this whenever he wanted (offering it to him regularly, especially if it was hot or humid, or in air conditioning). If he drank it all, then he drank it all. If not, then I wasn't fussed as obviously he didn't want or need it.

Ultimately though you do what you think is best for your baby. Don't let anyone else decide what you should and shouldn't do for your precious little one.

[c38]

At that age generally no....not unless he's constipated, then just 30mls or so after a feed. If he's needing more then 60mls of extra water a day to keep him regular then you need to get him seen to. But in general babies should only be given formula or breastmilk. On a really hot day if he seems hungry offer a little more formula or a little water, but only after he has taken his normal feed first. Probably best to have a chat wih your CHN about exctly how much at what age in the climate and conditions you live in etc
Once he starts solids ...(around 6 months) then you can start to offer a little water regularly after formula then food to prevent constipation, and balance out the eletrolyes in the food.. As solids increase and he gets older and needs less formula 11-13mths (depending upon how well he takes to solids)then he will start to need more water possibly more then milk in a day. depending upone the weather etc... but if you offer it freely he will guide you by then.

[missie_mack]

I agree it depends on how old they are :yes:

[Teegzie]

Generally speaking at such a young age he shouldn't need water as well. However I was told by my CHN and GP on hotter days to offer DD a small amount of water between feeds. Just 40mls or so. Most of that will get spilled anyway. My CHN also told me I could add a tiny bit of extra water to DD's bottles if she got a bit constipated as a result of switching to formula. I would add 5-10mls for every 50mls of formula. But I only did that after getting the all clear from the CHN!

If you are concerned about dehydration or constipation you should talk to your GP or CHN before going ahead with the water because they can tell you if you need to offer it and if so how much.

[happytobehere]

can u call the local CHN or community health if u cant find the time to get there. Im sure they'd be fine with ovr the phone advice. Myself though, i'd go in to make it a bit more official.

[PurpleButterfly4]

JenL -- i try 2 give water once a day. Riley usually only takes bout 10-20ml n i make sure its same temp as wat u have 4 milk feed.
I sumtimes give it when he looking like he wants a feed but he already had his 150ml... he'll only b sick if i give him more formula. I also find water helps Riley 2 burp if he has bad wind.
If he doesnt want it he'll let me know.
Def talk to doc or chn if ur concerned