Keeping bubs hydrated

[caz]

How do i get my 4 month old to drink more when the weather is warm?

His last bottle was approx. 4 1/2 hrs ago and he only goes about 3 - 4 hrs between each feed. He's asleep under the fan in just a singlet and a nappy.

[Oscar's mum]

Perhaps every squeek out of him try and offer him cooled boiled water.:)

[Shazbutt]

If they won't drink water, you can give them a bath, and the water will soak into their skin and hydrate them too. Or cool him with a facewasher maybe?

If its really hot (like out here), i'd be trying to offer him water in between feeds if he's not asleep.....

Sorry i can't offer any more suggestions...:o

[Ky]

I know he is still quite young, but maybe try giving him some fruit gels - it was the only way I could get extra fluids into Daniel as he had severe reflux ... I would also make my own from diluted fruit juice and gelatine.

Also, make some plain water ice-blocks and get him to suck on them a bit ... they help with teething too.

[jtk'smum]

Hi,
I know its not what people would recommend first but give my 5 month old boiled water with a teaspoon of 100% apple juice for eg, in his bottle for a bit a flavour he doesnt seem to mind that. I dont think it would hurt as its so important to keep up the fluids...

[caz]

fruit gels

Where do I get them from?

It's probably a silly question but i'm new to this whole motherhood thing :o

[Shazbutt]

Caz, you can find the fruit gels in the baby food section of your supermarket. They're in little jars like the other foods, and come in a couple of different flavours.

I actually didn't think of them. I'll remember that for DD2 now. Thanks Kyra...

[reAllytee]

Yep fruit gels & jelly are my saviours !!!
Bubs wont drink water little bugger :p so i either offer these or put him in the bath which cools him as Shazbutt suggested my bubs sucks on the face washer only way he drinks water hehehe ive tried all the sippy cups as well as a bottle.
But as long as bubs still has wet nappies & isnt lethargic dont stress too much he will let you know when he is thirsty ! :)

[nkenward]

Hi there,

I have a similar problem, but my bubs is just on 12 weeks. He doesn't seem to take well to water. Is it safe to give him diluted pear juice in water?

What percentage would you use?

Thanks.

[reAllytee]

Yeah they often dont take it because of the taste who could blame them milk is sweeter :p
Seriously bubs will let you know if he wants more to drink they very rarely let themselves get dehydrated !
Otherwise i would put a little bit of juice to help with taste if your happy with that but im not too sure if i would as pear is a natural laxative for starters & it may get bubs too used to something so sweet if you get what i mean.
Just keep offering water & if he doesnt want it & he seems hot give him a bath as this also rehydrates them & keeps them cool ! Not too cold though just tepid :)

[caz]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I'll have a look for the fruit gels and give them a go if the bath doesn't work :)

[Moorish]

Hi Caz
I'd wake him.
If you bub is on a 3-4 hour feeding routine, I'd gently pick him up & feed him (bottle/bf?) Even if he only takes 10 mins or so at least you know he's had his feed/drink. If he's still tired (as the heat makes them) he'll go back to sleep, but I wouldn't let him sleep more than say 4.5-5 hours during the day while the weather is warm.

As for the diluting juice, NATALIE - the juice in the baby isle of the supermarket is good as it's already diluted for kids under 12mths, however, as Connor is still very young, I would dilute it with cool, boiled water by half again (e.g, mix up 1 cup of diluted kids juice with 1/2 cup water). Babies don't need the juice for the taste, and also, the taste is new to them - where as we've had a good 20+ years to develop a sweet tooth!

[xkwzit]

I had a doc tell me to dilute apple juice (1 part juice to 3 or 4 parts water) to keep DD1 hydrated when she was ill (vomiting type ill). It should be very easy for them to take and pretty palatable.

Cheers

[annsam]

I had this problem last summer. Isn't it scary to think they may not be getting enough. All I can offer you as advice is just to keep offering and make sure they have plenty of breastmilk or formula (what ever you are feeding with). Some babies will suck water from a wet face cloth when awake, that could be something to try. Personally I wouldn't go for diluted juices unless bub is dehydrated or in sever danger. I would persist with the water but thats just my preference.