As parents of infants, we are often told to stick to breastmilk for the most part of the first year. And that it is a complete nutrition for our baby. What about when they are simply thirsty? Whether it is safe to give our baby water and how much water can our 6-month-old have often looms over our heads in such instances.
How much water can a 6-month-old have?
Here’s the deal, an ideal 6 month old that can sit supported and has enough strength in his/her neck and back muscles can have up to 4–8 ounces of water. A lot more than the standard amount may lead to the dangers of water intoxication in babies.Remember, water isn’t an alternative to breastmilk and shouldn’t be your go-to choice for infants at this age. Children’s stomachs can fill up quite quickly and unlike breastmilk, water will simply hydrate and not nourish. Mothers can ensure that they are hydrated so that the regular feeding of breast milk itself does its part.
What kind of water can a 6-month-old have?
You can give your baby, normal room-temperature drinking water that has been boiled before. This ensures that there are no foreign substances in the liquid. Parents can hand them a little water with their evening snack if your baby has started weaning. Ensure that you offer water that is neither hot nor too cold, their developing systems still cannot take the range of temperature.An infant's metabolism is drastically different from that of an adult. They do not need water like we do. Do not water down your baby's formula, even on hot days. Water intoxication, as mentioned before, can cause quite a lot of anomalies, like seizures, extreme drowsiness, swelling in the face, etc. Monitoring your baby's feeds regularly will help you track whether they are getting the nutrients they need. Get in contact with your healthcare provider immediately if you see any of those signs. Happy Parenting!
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