is it a good idea?

[kazer395]

my mil keeps trying to convince me to give my newborn water, but i have been told that there digestive system cant handle it!
but she said to me because im formula feeding he will dehydrate and die!!!!
is this true!?
and if not why the hell would she say something so awfull...

 

[oblada18]

Ask your pediatrician/HV/GP! I have heard from FFeeding friends that they give their babies a little bit of boiled (and cooled) water too but maybe it depends on the formula..?

 

[KayBea]

i gave LO cool boiled water from about 4 months old in a sippy cup.

if LOs soft spot (on his head) has sunk in that is a sign he is dehydrated or if your not getting many wet nappies.
he doesnt need water but you can always offer some. dont give too much though because you dont want it to replace the milk feeds..
x

 

[jenfen]

Hi hun

Your baby doesn't need extra water if he is drinking milk well and has plenty of wet/dirty nappies.
The exception to this would be if you lo is constipated (a lttle extra water can help get things moving) or if it is very hot where you live.
In fact, more than a few ounces a day when baby is young can cause water intoxication which is dangerous.
When you start weaning later on, you will be able to give lo some water in a sippy cup or beaker with meals but there is no need until then, unless a doctor/hv recommends it for a particular health need.

HTH
J x

 

[clarsair]

I used to give the occasional oz of cooled boiled water for constipation or persistent hiccups at the midwives recommendation.

 

[Mamof1]

I give my LO afew sips of water as her poo is alittle too hard, my midwife said this was fine. I also did this for my son

 

[HellBunny]

Not at this stage hun, your LO is only just over a week? If he is taking enough milk he won't dehydrate. Water is only usually recommended from 4-6 months/when on solids or if baby is constipated. If baby was dehydrated they wouldn't offer water so young as there would be an imbalance of electrolytes x

 

[Daisydog]

The advice is to not give water to babies unless advised to by a professional.

Your MIL is prob saying it because people used to give water to babies as routine and it was recommended by HVs, doctors etc but that advice has now changed. The attached link shows the advice give by a doctor regarding this question. Hope it helps
https://www.babycenter.com/408_when-can-my-baby-drink-water_1368488.bc