Confused about offering water

[Janers]

I'm confused about offering my baby water. She is 8 months old and has been eating solids for the last month or so and up until that point she was exclusively breastfed. I still breastfeed her on demand (her feeds have stayed the same)

I offer her water usually when eating, in a sippy cup. She hasn't showed much interest in it though.

It never concerned me until lately, I have been getting a lot of comments about her not drinking water.

Just curious what everyone else does.

 

[CupcakeBaby]

My DD is only 3 months so I have no experience in this.

But I have been wondering what you do when food starts.

Kellymom says they can have a few sips with food. But that your milk is 88% water anyway.

https://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/baby-water/

 

[missk1989]

Offer water in a sippy cup at meals or more often in hot weather. Its not really cause for concern until they reduce their milk intake.

 

[LDC]

I offer my lo water in a sippy cup with every meal and if we go out ill take her some water in her cup. It took Her a while to actually "like" it, I don't think she likes it still but she's not so fussed by it. She'll drink it without actively sucking to drink it, like she would milk - I hope that makes sense!

It eases constipation when feeding solids so worth continuing to offer it alongside her milk xxx

 

[blake12336]

I've been told by a few health visitors etc that water isn't necessary whilst breastfeeding, however it can't hurt to get them used to it!

I offer it at every meal and if me and OH are having a drink LO usually has some water otherwise he wants whatever we are having :-

But I wouldn't worry if your LO isn't having much yet as like a pp said breastmilk is mostly water x

 

[pinksmarties]

I offer it at every meal. To start with most ended up down his bib but now he does take a lot more and is great using his cup. I would say he only has 10-20ml at the most each time and like the other I do offer in between meals f the weather is very hot. I was concerned initially thinking he wasn't getting enough but he has never been constipated and his poo is still soft so reassured now he is getting enough from his cup/me.

I only give him water too despite my mum and others suggesting I give him juice. Don't see why as he seems to take the water well so why encourage sweet thing for his drinks? Sorry off on a little rant of my own there.

 

[Janers]

Ok that makes me feel better.

I knew breastmillk was all they needed, but I started to second guess myself and wonder if that meant when they were ONLY getting breastmilk and no solids.

So I will continue offering her water at mealtime, and occasionally when we're out.

Thanks everyone, I feel better now!