BF baby starting solids do they need water?

[nicoleE]

DS is a hungry boy now on 2 meals a day, cereal just before lunch and vegies at dinner time. He sometimes wants a quick BF at some stage perhaps within an hour after solids, should I be offering him some water after/with solids? This occured to me today so I offered him some tonight straight after his sweet potato and he took some.
I can't remember what I did with DD - how easy it is to forget!

[MissSteph]

Hi NicoleE,

I would most certainly offer him water with every meal. I couldn't imagine not drinking liquids when I eat so would assume it is the same for babies. DD has always had water whenever she eats something. Always offer it to him, if he doesn't want it or isn't thirsty i'm sure he will make you aware.

[ourhope]

I was told by my MCHN that breastfed babies do not need water. However it wouldnt be a bad idea to offer water to the bub after the meal is done. I have been exclusively bfeeding and only introduced solids last month at 6 mtnhs,, have been offerring water especially if the texture of the mash I have made is too thick for the bub, hope this helps.

[SalTheGal]

BF babies don't need water at this age.... but I get into a habit of offering a sippy cup at every meal anyway.

I think its good for them to get used to the sippy cup, and also good for them to get used to water... its handy if I'm out and DS is sooky- DH (or whoever) can just offer him some water if need be.