Water intake is a critical aspect of hydration and overall health, but its role and recommendations vary significantly between newborns and infants. This article synthesizes current research to provide a comprehensive understanding of water intake for these age groups, including the appropriate amounts, reasons for avoiding water at certain stages, and expert recommendations.
Water Intake for Newborns (0-6 Months)
Exclusive Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding
For newborns up to six months old, breast milk or infant formula provides all the necessary hydration and nutrients. Breast milk is approximately 87% water, and formula is about 85% water, which is sufficient to meet the hydration needs of newborns[10]. Introducing water to newborns is generally discouraged due to several risks:
- Nutrient Dilution: Water can fill up a newborn’s small stomach, reducing their intake of nutrient-rich breast milk or formula. This can lead to inadequate nutrition and poor weight gain, which is crucial for healthy development[10].
- Water Intoxication: Newborns have immature kidneys that cannot handle excess water. This can lead to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, where the sodium levels in the blood become too diluted, potentially causing seizures, coma, brain damage, or even death[8][10].
- Reduced Breast Milk Supply: Supplementing with water can decrease the demand for breast milk, potentially reducing the mother’s milk supply and leading to early weaning[9].
Recommendations
- Avoid Water: Newborns should not be given water. They should rely exclusively on breast milk or formula for hydration and nutrition[10].
- Monitor Hydration: Ensure that newborns are adequately hydrated by monitoring the number of wet diapers (6-8 per day) and the color of their urine (pale yellow)[4].
Water Intake for Infants (6-12 Months)
Introduction to Water
Around six months of age, infants begin to eat solid foods and can start to be introduced to small amounts of water. This is also the age when they can start using sippy cups and learning to drink from them[4].
Reasons for Introducing Water
- Complementary to Solids: As infants start consuming solid foods, small amounts of water can help with digestion and prevent constipation[3].
- Hydration: While breast milk or formula remains the primary source of hydration, small amounts of water can be introduced to help meet the infant’s hydration needs, especially in hot weather or when they are ill[4].
Recommendations
- Small Amounts: Introduce water in small quantities, typically 4-8 ounces per day, alongside regular milk feeds[4].
- Boiled and Cooled Water: If there are concerns about the safety of tap water, it should be boiled and cooled before being given to the infant[3].
- Avoid Excessive Water: Limit water intake to avoid reducing the intake of breast milk or formula, which are still essential for the infant’s nutrition[4].
Water Intake for Older Infants and Young Children (12-24 Months)
Increased Water Consumption
As children grow older and their diet becomes more varied, their water intake can gradually increase. By the age of one, children can drink more water, but it should still be balanced with milk and other nutritious beverages[1][2].
Recommendations
- Regular Water Intake: Encourage regular water consumption, especially with meals and snacks, to establish healthy hydration habits[5].
- Avoid Sugary Drinks: Substitute water for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to reduce the risk of obesity and dental problems[1][5].
Conclusion
Water intake for newborns and infants must be carefully managed to ensure proper hydration and nutrition. Newborns should not be given water due to the risks of nutrient dilution and water intoxication. From six months onwards, small amounts of water can be introduced alongside solid foods, with careful monitoring to avoid excessive intake. By the age of one, children can consume more water, but it should be balanced with other nutritious beverages. These guidelines help ensure that infants and young children develop healthy hydration habits while receiving the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
References
- Beverage Consumption Patterns among Infants and Young Children.
- Total Water Intake and its Contributors in Infants and Young Children.
- Drinking Water for Babies Fact Sheet | Tasmanian Department of Health.
- Introducing Water to Babies: A Comprehensive Guide to Hydration After the First Six Months.
- Hydration in Children: What Do We Know and Why Does it Matter?
- And Not a Drop to Drink – Why Water is Harmful for Newborns.
- Water Consumption in 0-6-Month-Old Healthy Infants and Effective Factors.
- Water Intoxication in Infants | St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
- ‘And Not a Drop to Drink’–Why Water is Harmful for Newborns – PubMed.
- Why Can’t Babies Have Water? – Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073729/
[2] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/total-water-intake-and-its-contributors-in-infants-and-young-children/5640F7A344AF1E97E9A951E65CC7B7E2
[3] https://www.health.tas.gov.au/publications/drinking-water-babies-fact-sheet
[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/when-can-babies-have-water
[5] https://karger.com/anm/article/74/Suppl.%203/11/42813/Hydration-in-Children-What-Do-We-Know-and-Why-Does
[6] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6790973_And_not_a_drop_to_drink_-_why_water_is_harmful_for_newborns
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10506693/
[8] https://www.stlouischildrens.org/health-resources/pulse/water-intoxication-infants
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17004346/
[10] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-can-babies-have-water
[11] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1099800414529362
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