When we first brought Ilan home from the hospital we were visited by a public health nurse. I can’t remember a thing she said…I was just too exhausted and excited and frazzled. One thing that did stay with me from her visit was the notion that you don’t give water to babies. And, further that some newborns, when given large quantities of water, can have seizures.
That said, water is a critically important part of your growing child’s nutrition. So how much, how often and when should you offer your little one water? Here’s a WeeMunch guide.
1.) You can begin to offer your baby water at about six months. Until then, s/he gets all the hydration s/he needs from breastmilk or formula. Water is a great way to introduce using a cup to your little one. I have friends whose children never used a bottle or sippy cup. They went straight from breastfeeding to using a cup. And, quite well.
2.) Before six months, the introduction of water can interfere with a baby’s ability to absorb nutrients in breastmilk. And, both breastmilk and formula contain water, so it’s completely unnecessary.
3.) Large amounts of water can curb an appetite and create fullness.
4.) In rare cases, offering water to a baby that is less than six months old can cause a condition known as water intoxication, which can cause seizures and even a coma. This happens when too much water dilutes the concentration of sodium in the body, upsetting the electrolyte balance and causing tissues to swell.
5.) After six months, you can introduce water and solid foods in small amounts to your little one. But you still don’t want to overdo water. Our little ones are pretty smart and will guide us as to how much water they want to consume. Just don’t overdo it.
6.) After one year, your toddler can drink as much water as they like. It’s still best to offer water between meals (not with meals). Ideally we should get in the habit of offering water 20-30 minutes before meals or 2-3 hours after. Note: this is simply a guideline for best digestion/absorption of nutrients and can be somewhat flexible.
7.) Parents often find that their children do not want to drink water. We suggest that you continue to offer it in its plain and glorious state. If they refuse it, then fine. But, juice drinks diluted with water, are not really considered water consumption. To give some taste to your little ones water add a splash of lemon juice (a great liver tonic) or put a small berry or piece of fruit, or its juice in a glass with water. This gives them something fun and tantalizing to look at and seems to peak interest.
8.) Why do we drink water? It’s a great cleanser for the body and the tissues. It’s basically essential to life! And, teaching our little ones to enjoy it for what it is…is an important life lesson that will stave off false hunger, aid healthy digestion, headaches and beyond.
Source: This piece was written using content from babycentre.com.
That said, water is a critically important part of your growing child’s nutrition. So how much, how often and when should you offer your little one water? Here’s a WeeMunch guide.
1.) You can begin to offer your baby water at about six months. Until then, s/he gets all the hydration s/he needs from breastmilk or formula. Water is a great way to introduce using a cup to your little one. I have friends whose children never used a bottle or sippy cup. They went straight from breastfeeding to using a cup. And, quite well.
2.) Before six months, the introduction of water can interfere with a baby’s ability to absorb nutrients in breastmilk. And, both breastmilk and formula contain water, so it’s completely unnecessary.
3.) Large amounts of water can curb an appetite and create fullness.
4.) In rare cases, offering water to a baby that is less than six months old can cause a condition known as water intoxication, which can cause seizures and even a coma. This happens when too much water dilutes the concentration of sodium in the body, upsetting the electrolyte balance and causing tissues to swell.
5.) After six months, you can introduce water and solid foods in small amounts to your little one. But you still don’t want to overdo water. Our little ones are pretty smart and will guide us as to how much water they want to consume. Just don’t overdo it.
6.) After one year, your toddler can drink as much water as they like. It’s still best to offer water between meals (not with meals). Ideally we should get in the habit of offering water 20-30 minutes before meals or 2-3 hours after. Note: this is simply a guideline for best digestion/absorption of nutrients and can be somewhat flexible.
7.) Parents often find that their children do not want to drink water. We suggest that you continue to offer it in its plain and glorious state. If they refuse it, then fine. But, juice drinks diluted with water, are not really considered water consumption. To give some taste to your little ones water add a splash of lemon juice (a great liver tonic) or put a small berry or piece of fruit, or its juice in a glass with water. This gives them something fun and tantalizing to look at and seems to peak interest.
8.) Why do we drink water? It’s a great cleanser for the body and the tissues. It’s basically essential to life! And, teaching our little ones to enjoy it for what it is…is an important life lesson that will stave off false hunger, aid healthy digestion, headaches and beyond.
Source: This piece was written using content from babycentre.com.
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