How to give water to a baby. Should I give water to babies? Compliance with water balance: opinions of pediatricians and advice from experienced mothers. What should be the water

There are a lot of questions young mothers have, one of them is whether newborns need water for breastfeeding, and if so, how much and in what circumstances. The problem is quite relevant.

It is quite simple to answer the question of whether infants need water. Let's just try to mentally go back even a hundred years ago. And let's think, how many mothers always have enough clean (apparently boiled) water to give it to a baby without risking his health? For many thousands of years of human evolution, babies in the first months of life did not receive water, because this meant a direct danger to their lives. That is, it is unusual for humans as a biological species to drink small children. As, however, for other mammals - babies begin to receive water when they begin to eat the same food as their parents.

If we talk not only about common sense, but also about medical justifications, the World Health Organization, like the latest instructions of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, propose not to give additional drink to breastfed children without special medical indications, until about six months. Why is that?

The first danger- malnutrition. The stomach of a crumb is the size of its fist, and it is able to accept and process a limited amount of incoming food (in the first month of life it is 1/5 - 1/6 of the body weight per day). A feature nervous system the newborn is such that water gives him a false sense of satiety. Therefore, it is important for a mother to understand: if her child drank 100 ml of water, it means that he did not receive 100 ml of milk. At the same time, the growth and development of the child depend on milk, and water does not bring him absolutely any benefit.

The second danger - decrease in milk production. Milk is produced in response to the baby's sucking, that is, how much the baby sucked at the breast - so much milk will arrive later. If the mother gave the baby water, then he will suckle less. Particularly dangerous in this regard is the nighttime feeding of the baby with water, because during the night feedings, the production of the hormone prolactin is stimulated, which increases the daytime milk production. This means that the baby who is breastfeeding at night, thereby provides himself with the necessary amount of milk during the day. And if the “well-wishers” advise the mother “to deceive the child with some water so that he does not bother him at night,” think that the child may be deceived, but the natural system of milk production cannot be fooled ...

The third danger - violation of the natural balance in the digestive system of the child. A child is born with a sterile intestine, and up to about six months is actively sowing it with beneficial microflora. Mother's milk helps to form and maintain the natural balance of bacteria in the digestive system, and anything that the baby receives during this time in addition to mother's milk worsens this balance. And if the practice of supplementing becomes constant, then very often the preponderance of harmful microflora over useful is found in the child - the very phenomenon that our doctors usually call dysbiosis. Research specially conducted by the World Health Organization shows that most babies exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months are healthy and growing well. And babies who received water or tea in addition to breast milk had intestinal disorders three times more often than fully breastfed babies ... Do you need such a risk?

The fourth danger - the likelihood of breast abandonment. Water is usually given from a bottle with a nipple, which often leads babies to "nipple confusion" - that is, refusal to suckle the mother's breast in favor of a bottle.

Let's now consider the arguments of those who insist on the need to give the baby water.

"Water Helps Eliminate Infant Jaundice"

Jaundice is caused by bilirubin, which is a fat-soluble enzyme. Not water soluble, but fat soluble. That is, it is not excreted from the body with water, but is excreted with colostrum and subsequently with milk, which, unlike water, contain in optimal proportion the fats the child needs.

“Milk is the same food as, for example, porridge. Hunger must be satisfied by food, and thirst by drinking. Otherwise, the child gets extra calories! "

Actually, the consistency of milk and porridge is completely different. Milk is 85-90% water. If adults constantly ate the same liquid food, then the assumptions that it needs to be liquefied even more, they would not have arisen ... In addition, up to a certain age Small child makes no distinction at all between hunger and thirst. That is why, as already mentioned, water creates a feeling of false satiety in him, displacing mother's milk. We shift the emphasis: since getting water is not biologically justified, it is correct to say not that an exclusively breastfed baby receives "extra calories", but that a child who is supplemented with water loses the calories he needs.

"Water should be given if it's hot outside and the air in the room is dry."

Indeed, in the summer, supplementation is argued by the heat, and in the winter - by the dryness of the air in a heated room. However, many studies have been carried out around the world in dry and hot countries (for example, in India at a temperature of 35-40 ° C and a humidity of 10 to 35%; in Pakistan at a temperature of 27.4-40.7 ° C and a humidity of 24 to 77%; in tropics at temperatures from 4 to 41 ° C and humidity from 9 to 60%), which clearly showed that babies who were given only breast, suffered less from dehydration than those who were fed only with breast milk. The fact is that mother's milk contains the optimal concentration of all the salts and minerals necessary for the child - by the way, if an adult suffers from dehydration, he is also recommended to restore the moisture balance not with plain water, but with a solution of specially selected salts ... So, if Mom thinks that the child is hot - he should not be supplemented with water, but it is easier to dress and ventilate the room well! A toddler who is thirsty will simply ask for his mother's breast more often. In extreme heat, you can wipe the child's body with cool water, and the room air will make a steam humidifier or a simple spray gun less dry, but in this case, water is desirable outside, and not inside the child's body ...

"If a child is sick, you cannot do without water - it will restore the moisture balance, help eliminate viruses in the urine, and you can dissolve drugs in it."

In the above, there is not a single function with which breast milk could not cope better than water. The same medicine that the child will try with all his might to spit it out diluted in water, he will take much more favorably with expressed breast milk, which will also help better assimilation.

"My child sometimes calms down just after receiving a bottle of water."

The key word here is bottle. By the set different reasons the child sometimes wants to suck on something, but not on mother's breast. The two simplest and most harmless ways to calm a baby who just now do not have enough of their mother's breast are to suck on a cleanly washed finger or simply to induce sleep, because most often this is how children who are tired of daytime impressions behave before falling asleep.

"Everyone is thirsty, and children are no exception!"

There are many foods that adults can safely eat, but which will cause big problems for babies, because their digestive system is not mature enough. Attempting to feed a baby based on the needs of an adult stomach would lead to grave consequences... Most babies themselves refuse to drink the water that is offered to them, and begin to quench their thirst with it only after 9-12 months.

Now the problem of the quality of drinking water, its purity and harmlessness is very acute for each of us. Choosing the right water purifier is a task that must be solved to maintain and improve the health of all family members. To a greater extent, the problem of drinking water safety affects the younger generation. For a fragile child's body, the quality of water is of great importance. What kind of water to give to children? The answer to this important question you will find in our article.

In this article, you will learn:

Do newborns need to water

What kind of water should be given to babies under one year old

What water is suitable for children after a year

Why it is good to have a water filter at home

At what age children are given water

Should newborn babies be given water? To this seemingly simple question that interests many mothers, doctors do not have a single answer. Some believe that children do not need additional fluids (they will get everything with mother's milk), other pediatricians argue that babies need additional drinking.

In the first weeks of life of infants, mother's milk is both food and water for them. It contains about 90% liquid and maintains the water balance at the desired level. Thanks to the enzymes it contains, it promotes proper digestion. The maternal organism "adjusts" to the needs of the child. For example, if a baby is thirsty and often lays on the breast, he receives unsaturated "front" milk, which perfectly quenches his thirst.

At first glance, giving the newborn extra drinks is not necessary, but this is not the case. There are situations when a baby needs water. Children up to three months of age should only be given water on the recommendation of a doctor. But to drink babies over four months old can and should be completely calm. The notion that this will lead to breastfeeding or malnutrition of the infant is completely unfounded. If there are no contraindications and the baby is happy to drink some water, do not refuse him. Adults should remember that newborns have a "high-speed" metabolism and significant fluid loss, so a lack of it in the body is very dangerous for their health.

When formula-feeding newborns with high-protein formula, the babies need additional drinks. Lack of fluid when feeding with saturated formulations can cause constipation and deterioration of the well-being of babies. It is necessary to give water to children, it will help to empty the intestines and improve the condition of the baby.

Infants should be given to drink after eating in small portions - a few teaspoons are enough. The ventricle, small in volume, simply cannot accept a large number of them.

During illness (for example, with high temperature and colic), most pediatricians recommend giving children water. Colic is very easy to diagnose by a tense tummy, tucked legs and restless behavior of the baby. For hiccups, give children a few sips of warm water.

What water to give to children under one year old

Boiled watera... Many parents are mistaken when they think that they need to give their children water only by first boiling it. However, when boiling, not all bacteria are destroyed, but only part of them, in addition, boiled water contains a large amount of chloride compounds, which are very harmful to babies.

Natural water. Children should not be given water from open natural sources - it is dangerous for babies, as it contains a large amount of bacteria, nitrates and other harmful impurities from the soil.

Healing water. In no case should children be given carbonated or mineral medicinal water.

Filtered water. Children should not be given water purified using ordinary filter jugs, because it is intended for use by adults.

Bottled water... Now special bottled "baby" water is sold in supermarkets and pharmacies. Each mom will be able to find the best option that she can safely give to her child. Water for children has a special label and information that it has been tested by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. In terms of quality, it is very different from water for adults, and the following requirements are imposed on it in terms of mineral content:

calcium less than 60 mg / liter;

potassium less than 5-20 mg / liter;

sodium less than 20 mg / liter;

magnesium less than 10-35 mg / liter.

• Water from "children's" filters. The most profitable option is to purchase a special jug-type filter for children. It is inexpensive, very convenient and economical (one cartridge is enough for 100-200 liters of water). This filter has a very high degree of purification: it removes mechanical impurities, chlorine and pesticides, and kills all bacteria. The body is made of high quality, environmentally friendly plastic, approved for use by pediatricians. You can safely give children water purified with this filter.

What water to give children after a year

Drinking water is a liquid that can be drunk every day in unlimited quantities. It comes from a variety of sources: from rivers, lakes, underground wells, or from the central water supply system (specially trained).

From whatever sources drinking water comes, it must necessarily comply with all standards for organoleptic (taste, appearance, smell) and sanitary-toxicological (safety) indicators. In addition, it must contain all the main useful elements. For this purpose, both "children's" and "adult" water is cleaned of unnecessary impurities and enriched (brought to a condition) with the necessary salts.

Water must correspond to one of the quality categories, the first or the highest, depending on the presence of substances beneficial to health and the absence of harmful components.

The first category includes water that is safe to drink from any source. It is much better than tap water (there are no chlorination by-products in it), but inferior to water of the highest category.

The highest category is safe water from sources protected from contamination. Stricter sanitary and hygienic requirements are already imposed on it and permissible limits for the content of macro- and microelements have been established.

Babies under three years old can only be given water of the highest category. It is produced without the use of preservatives (silver and carbon dioxide), which negatively affect the microflora gastrointestinal tract babies. The content of the fluoride ion is also strictly regulated (within the range of 0.6-1.0 mg / liter). If the concentration of this substance is higher, then such water should not be given to children, otherwise an excess of it in the child's body may occur.

Drinking water can be natural and prepared, that is, it has gone through the processes of purification and artificial mineralization. They are assigned the appropriate quality category.

Natural water.

• Artesian- is mined from artesian sources buried underground. This is melt and rainwater that accumulates in the bowels of the earth. As it seeps through the rocks, it is cleansed and enriched with various natural minerals that are beneficial to human health. Being at great depths, the water is protected from external contamination. Quite often, with correct production from wells, only cleaning from suspensions and normalizing (if necessary) the composition of trace elements are required.

Spring- is mined from underground sources that have an outlet to the surface of the earth. This water tastes very good, but due to natural conditions (torrential rains, floods, industrial activities, etc.), it can be guaranteed good quality almost impossible. For this reason, bottled spring water is assigned the first quality category.

Glacial- such water is formed as a result of the melting of glaciers. It is considered the most pure and in its properties is very close to distilled, that is, it contains a minimum amount of mineral salts.

Natural water always contains mineral salts, has a constant composition and temperature during extraction. Its ideal quality types (if they are obtained with the observance of all precautions) allow you to limit yourself to mechanical cleaning from suspensions. However, most require chemical composition adjustments.

Purified water.

Reverse osmosis. It is the most widely used water treatment technology. The water passes through special membrane filters that trap all impurities and guarantee stable quality. Allows you to get perfectly clean sterile water.

The water obtained in this way is devoid of not only harmful, but also useful substances. "Desalted" water is not suitable for daily use, it should not be given to children, as its pH is shifted to the acidic side, and in order to restore the imbalance, minerals will be "removed" from the baby's teeth and bones. Therefore, such water should not be given to children.

Ozonation- very effective method water purification. It allows microorganisms to be oxidized while maintaining the original mineral composition of the water. Ozone prevents the growth of bacteria in the bottle. At the same time, there is a risk that it will create a suspension of soluble organic matter, and if it is not removed, the water will again "populate" with microbes, but more dangerous.

Ultraviolet irradiation... Before ultraviolet treatment, turbid water is mechanically cleaned from impurities. Ultraviolet light affects only living cells of microorganisms, bacteria and viruses, chemical composition it does not affect water.

The water that can be given to children is allowed to contain a minimum amount of harmful and toxic substances. But in terms of the composition and the ratio of minerals, "baby" water should be ideal.

Both increased and decreased mineralization of drinking water have a negative effect on the body. The first problem is solved quite easily at different stages of purification. But what to do if the water is poor in minerals is still an unresolved task for ecologists and doctors.

Newborn babies are very fragile and delicate creatures. The body of babies is 86% water. It is necessary for growth, formation internal organs and their normal functioning. Therefore, the water must be clean and harmless. Babies receive nutrition, vitamins and all the necessary substances with mother's breast milk, so mothers should drink only high-quality water. With artificial feeding, the health of babies directly depends on what kind of water they will give to their children.

The use of flow filters for water purification helps to strengthen the immunity of children and protects against bacteria. Under no circumstances should untreated water be given to children.

The use of in-line filters and shower heads that remove chlorine from the water protects the delicate baby skin when bathing. Chlorine and hardness salts cause irritation, redness, rashes and can cause an allergic reaction.

A very good option for obtaining purified water that can be given to children over four years old is a filter jug. It consists of a body made of high quality plastic, a filter cartridge and a cassette containing useful minerals for water enrichment.

If you decide to do without home filters for water purification, then bottled special "baby" water is your option. Such water can be safely given to children. It should not be boiled, and you can store it in the refrigerator no more than a day after opening the bottle. An ideal container for such water - Glass bottle or a container made of polycarbonate (marked with the number "7" on the bottom).

All of the above will probably leave you in no doubt about the importance of using quality water for children. You can buy ready-made water that is optimal for a growing and developing organism, or you can choose suitable filters for water purification and install it at home. Where can you buy these filters?

Biokit offers a wide range of reverse osmosis systems, water filters and other equipment that can return tap water to its natural characteristics.

The specialists of our company are ready to help you:

connect the filtration system yourself;

understand the process of choosing water filters;

pick up replacement materials;

troubleshoot or solve problems with the involvement of installers;

find answers to your questions by telephone.

Trust Biokit water purification systems to keep your family healthy!

Newborn babies require special care and attention. With the advent of a child, mothers and fathers are asked many questions. Perhaps one of the main ones is the nutrition of the crumbs. By far the best food for a newborn is breast milk. Does the baby need something else? This article will tell you if water can be given to newborns. You will find out the main opinions of experts on this matter. You can also figure out when to give water to your newborn and how to do it correctly.

Water

Every person needs simple drinking water. She is the source of vitality and strength. With a prolonged absence of water, a person experiences dehydration. His organs and systems can no longer function as they should. The heart, lungs, and kidneys draw fluid from the skin and upper layers of the body at this point. As a result, signs of dehydration become clearly visible: the dermis becomes dry, the eyes sink, and the urine acquires an intense yellow or orange tint.

Does a newborn baby need water? The kid still cannot understand his desires and needs on his own. He also has no way to inform adults about them. Mom and Dad need to know and understand if it is okay to give water to newborns. If you are still in doubt, the information below will help you. So, should water be given to newborns?

When breastfeeding

If your baby is breastfed, then this is considered the best option... Mother's milk contains a large amount of nutrients and vitamins necessary for the baby in a certain age... Also, such a diet involves obtaining antibodies and strengthening the immune defense of the newborn's body. Besides, breast milk capable of as soon as possible improve the intestinal microflora and populate it with beneficial bacteria. Does the baby need water in this case?

Experts say that breast milk is 90 percent water. Only the rest contains carbohydrates, proteins and fats. That is why drinking plain water is not needed for a breastfed baby. The so-called foremilk is able to quench thirst and saturate the body with fluid. If the baby often licks her lips and expresses a desire to drink, then just apply it to your chest for a few minutes.

Artificial nutrition of the child

Can water be given to newborns? If it so happened that the baby eats an artificial mixture, then the doctors say the following: the baby can be given a small amount of drinking water.

In fact, an adapted milk mixture is made from water with the addition of a special powder. Many mothers believe that, having received such an amount of liquid, the baby does not need an additional drink. However, the resulting milk mass contains much more protein than breast milk. As a result, much less water enters the body.

The opinion of breastfeeding experts

Can water be given to newborns? Experienced pediatricians and breastfeeding specialists say that in some cases, water may not only be beneficial, but also cause harm.

If the baby drinks plain water, then his stomach fills up. The kid is not yet able to distinguish milk or mixture from plain water. As a consequence, drinking leads to the fact that the newborn will consume less milk. Often, the consequence of this process is that the mother's milk production decreases or it disappears altogether. The kid, on the other hand, may begin to gain less weight.

Special cases

When to give water to a newborn and how much? There are special situations that need to be addressed individually. When does a newborn baby need an extra drink?

1. Doctors say that the disease, accompanied by an increase in body temperature, obliges the parents to give the baby a drink. Otherwise, the fever can lead to dehydration. This happens especially often with children who are bottle-fed.
2. With diarrhea in infants, it is imperative to add water to it. This condition is very dangerous. Often, doctors recommend using not ordinary drinking water, but special saline solutions that make up for the lack of fluid.

What is the correct way to give water to a newborn?

If you decide to supplement your baby, then you need to do it correctly. Be sure to use special water. Currently, in stores and pharmacy chains, you can buy adapted baby water, ideal for a given age. If you do not want to buy such products, then you can prepare the liquid yourself.

Never give your child tap water. An exception can be made only in cases where the water supply system is equipped with special filters. In other situations, boil the liquid for 5-10 minutes. Then cool down the drink.

How much water can a newborn baby have? You need to give liquid to the baby at the rate of 30 milliliters per kilogram of the baby's weight. So, if your baby has a body weight of 4 kg, then he needs no more than 120 milliliters of water. You should never force a child to drink. In case of illness or temperature, it is necessary to offer liquid to the baby every half hour. In this case, you should refrain from using a bottle. Try using a small spoon or syringe. Gently pour the prepared liquid over the cheek of the baby. When doing this, make sure that the child does not choke. Drinking water temperature should be at the level of 36-40 degrees. Do not use too hot or cold water.

Summarizing

You now know how to give water to a newborn. If you still have doubts, then consult your pediatrician. The doctor will certainly be able to explain to you how to properly give fluid to a newborn baby and whether it is obligatory to do so. Water your baby as needed and be healthy!

Water is the source of life and health for both adults and children. With the appearance of a baby in the family, many parents are interested in the question - when is it better to start giving the newborn water? As a rule, this topic is of concern to parents when a child changes from breastfeeding to artificial feeding. Let's try to understand this issue together.

It is better for children to give purified water.

It is no coincidence that young children are taught from an early age to drinking water, because it contains many substances and microelements necessary for life.

The liquid contains calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, fluoride, sulfates, hydrocarbons and other substances. If we are talking about mineral water, then its composition is even richer in useful microelements.

Surely many parents are interested in the question, what kind of water is better to give to children who are still a few months old? First of all, the water must be purified, filtered or boiled. If we are talking about mineral water, then it must be without gas. Always pay attention to the expiration date of the product before purchasing!

Artificial and mixed feeding of a baby: when and how to give water?

As for infant formula, when switching to them, the child simply needs to be given clean drinking water.

Children should be given about 200 ml of water a day.

V baby food contains a lot of protein, therefore, for its better splitting and assimilation, liquid must be included in the baby's diet, one of the options for which is water.

On mixed and artificial feeding, pediatricians advise to give children about 200 ml of water a day.... Such a volume will help its digestion process food, and also replenish the body with the necessary microelements.

How to give water to a newborn

Water is advised to be given either 1 hour before meals, or after 1 hour after feeding.

One hour after feeding, you can give your baby water.

It is worth noting that it is impossible to give water to the baby through force.

If you bring a spoon to him, and he refuses, moves away from it, then it is better to wait a little more time. As a rule, a baby, when he feels thirsty, he will definitely not give up water.

How much water to give a newborn with artificial feeding

• For instance, up to 6 months the baby can be given no more than 50 ml of clean drinking water per day. So, the liquid is given in small portions (up to 15 ml) between feedings.
• Children from 6 months you can give more water - up to 100 ml per day, while they need to be divided into several portions.
• Usually, after six months fluid is given according to the needs of the child.

Up to 6 months, a baby can be given no more than 50 ml of water per day.

Parents need to monitor the baby, quench their thirst in time. As mentioned above, with artificial feeding due to a large number protein in baby food, the newborn needs to be given water. The portion of fluid may increase as the child grows.

Hiccups and water

Newborns may hiccup.

Small children may hiccup, which is normal for them. , a few sips are enough, which will help to eliminate the spasm from the muscles of the children's diaphragm.

Hot weather

It is necessary to say separately about the supply of water to children in hot weather.

The optimum room temperature is up to 21 degrees.

Babies can also sweat during the summer, so they need to be given plenty of fluids. The water must be clean and warm. It is worth noting that babies can sweat not only in summer and due to hot weather, but also indoors in winter if the temperature in it exceeds 24 degrees. The optimum temperature is up to 21 degrees, and the air humidity should be 60–70%. It is in such conditions that the child will feel more comfortable.

Basic principles

Infants on formula and mixed feeding can be given the following water:

• boiled warm;
• filtered, purified;
• non-carbonated mineral water specially produced for baby food.

It is worth noting that pediatricians strongly recommend giving the child only purified water.

It is better to give the child filtered water.

It is better to give boiled water rarely. ... They advise using good filters, since tap water contains substances that are hazardous to the health of newborns. Due to the consumption of such water, they can develop gastrointestinal diseases.

What liquid can you give to babies?

On artificial or mixed feeding, children are also recommended to drink tea, juices, compote. The main thing is to be careful about their composition.

Artificially fed children can be given tea.

Remember that your toddler may develop an allergic reaction. It is better to talk to your pediatrician about the introduction of a certain type of liquid in addition to water in the child's diet.

Juices

As a rule, children can be given fruit juice from the first months of life.

Juice can be given to newborns.

Its amount at first does not exceed 10 ml, and then gradually increases. This is a special juice for children.

Baby teas and decoctions

Lemon balm decoctions are useful for health.

Decoctions of fennel, lemon balm, dill, anise, mint are useful for their health. Small amounts of juices and decoctions are given to young children - up to 20-30 ml per day ... As a rule, teas normalize the digestive tract, have a beneficial effect on the formation of feces, and the components present, for example, in mint, can calm the baby.

Should I give water to a breastfed baby?

As for babies who are just born, then the first months of their life, food and water are completely replaced by mother's breast milk.

In the first months of life, water and food are replaced by breast milk.

Of course, water can be slowly included in the diet, but only for 4–5 months. It should be peeled, preferably boiled.

As a rule, with the gradual development of the gastrointestinal tract, the baby may already feel thirsty by 4–5 months. It is better to give water in small portions. Pediatricians advise pouring 30–70 ml of liquid per 1 kg of body weight into a bottle. Babies drink from a spoon or from a bottle with a pacifier.

Does breast milk replace water?

It is worth noting that it is not necessary to give drinking water to the baby while breastfeeding, since breast milk completely replaces liquid.

Breastfed babies do not need to be given water.

It contains, as a rule, up to 90% water, and the remaining percent are proteins, carbohydrates, fats and various trace elements necessary for the normal development of a child. Supplementing breast milk, for example, with warm boiled water, can be used to prevent constipation in a child. In this case, a little liquid is given (up to 5 teaspoons) between breastfeeding.

Emergencies when a newborn needs to be given water:

• diarrhea and frequent loose stools;
• bloating;
• frequent vomiting;
• the child is sick with jaundice (water quickly removes excess bilirubin, due to which the disease develops);
• frequent constipation;
• intestinal colic and bloating;
• high temperature.

Because of various diseases, as well as inflammatory processes in the body of a newborn, he can lose a lot of fluid. It can only be replenished with water and breast milk.

In the treatment of various diseases It is imperative to give clean water to the child , regardless of his age. Parents should talk about the amount of fluid with the attending pediatrician, since each individual case has its own daily portion. It depends on the age and weight of the baby, as well as the disease.

conclusions

Children need to be given water.

Summing up, I would like to assure young parents that it is possible and even necessary for infants, as well as for children who are artificially and mixed feeding. The main thing is that the water is filtered, purified, warm or at room temperature.

Video about how much water a child should drink

After the birth of a baby, many mothers raise the issue of water to a number of the most important problems in care. The human need to periodically quench their thirst with water is obvious, but does this apply to young children? At what age can babies start giving water, and how much?

About water for newborns

A few months after birth, babies must be given water. However, is it worth giving babies a few weeks or days old to drink? It is impossible to answer unequivocally, since each organism is individual. Experts do not recommend watering monthly babies, as this can cause a negative reaction.

Why is it bad to give water? There is a water balance in the body of every person. Well-being and health depends on its quantity. If in an adult it can be disturbed by drinking plenty of water or dehydration, then for a baby a scanty amount of water is enough daily so that his appetite not only deteriorates, but the water balance in the circulatory system is disturbed.

If the baby is breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers often suffer from such a problem, because they do not know exactly how correct it is. This is especially true when the weather is hot outside. It is known that in summer climates, anyone consumes a lot of fluids. But what about the child?

Experts do not recommend giving babies some water as an auxiliary drink for milk. The fact is that a lactation product is ideal for a baby, it contains all the necessary trace elements that fully satisfy the needs of the baby. In addition, in the heat, the child is unlikely to feel discomfort, since he has not yet formed thermoregulation of the body, therefore, he is rather cold than hot.

It is best to water such babies already during the introduction of complementary foods, somewhere in six months. You can start with juices and then switch to plain water. It is best to give your child small spoons and gradually increase the amount of water.

If the baby is an artificial

When to start giving the baby some water - this question is no less often asked by mothers of children who eat artificial mixtures almost from birth. In this case, it is impossible to answer unequivocally, because no food from the pharmacy can replace the child.
breast milk to the fullest.

Doctors recommend giving water to the newborn in case he himself is thirsty. Be careful not to experiment with high doses. Why? The stomach of the crumbs is still very small, therefore, having drunk water, he can get fed up and refuse the usual portion of feeding. And this is bad, because small children need to eat as much as possible.

How to tell if a child wants some water? For a start, you can give a drink from a teaspoon by bringing the liquid to the baby's mouth. If he spits it out or starts crying, while not swallowing, there is no need for water. You should not start drinking it from the nipple, since this will be too much for a tiny organism, water intoxication can easily occur.

How often should water be given to babies

You should not give water to children in the first days of life, it is advisable to gradually accustom them to liquid

Ideally, up to 4 months, liquid should be completely excluded from the diet when it comes to babies. Artists can be given water as needed, but not often. You should gradually accustom your child to drinks. Starting from 2 months and up to a year, 120 ml per day is enough for the crumbs, in one year old should be given to drink 150 ml per day. Remember, the child will determine how much water is enough for him. You should not force it in or not give it at all, especially if the newborn is crying a lot.

Critical situations

Sometimes situations arise when water must be given even infant... In such cases, you should not look at the age of the newborn and the method of nutrition. For example, when observed:

• diarrhea;
• vomit;
• constipation.

Many people mistakenly confuse a cold with a fever. It is worth knowing that at high temperatures, you can only wipe the child with a damp cloth, and periodically moisten your lips in water. However, if there is a fever without temperature, then you need to start giving water to the child, albeit in small quantities.

Anyone can have a bowel disorder, but newborn babies are the most affected. Everyone knows that such problems with the gastrointestinal tract threaten total dehydration of the body, especially a high risk in small crumbs. If severe diarrhea occurs in month old baby, you should immediately apply for medical help, and also carefully give a drink of water. A doctor is needed to examine the baby, because such a symptom may indicate severe poisoning.

With constipation, which occurs in almost all children, you can dilute the juice with some water and give the newborn a drink. The main thing is in small quantities. This will partially help to resolve the problem that has arisen, but in the future, an appropriate medication should be used for this.

What kind of water is right for newborns

Don't start giving your child tap water. The fact is that it contains trace elements that are very harmful to the newborn body, which can adversely affect health. Also, you should not boil it for these purposes.

Distilled water can be purchased, which is sold in almost every pharmacy. Such a liquid is purified from harmful organisms at the molecular level and is ideal for six-month-old babies, since their fragile organisms will not succumb to harmful elements.