Is it safe to give babies water?

Kerin writes: "I know it's important to stay hydrated in the hot summer months. My older kids carry water bottles on outings, but what about my 5-month-old? Should I give her water, too?"

During the summer, your baby needs to stay well-hydrated too, but don't give her water or water down her formula, even on the hottest days. During the first year of life, breast milk or formula is all she should have.

In fact, giving infants water can be dangerous because they can easily suffer from water intoxication, a condition in which their developing kidneys can't excrete water fast enough. As a result, water builds up in the body and dilutes the electrolyte balance of the blood, which can cause seizures, coma, or even death.

If you sense your baby's thirsty, give her a little extra breast milk or formula (mixed according to manufacturer's directions) instead of water.

See our report on baby bottles and nipples and breast pumps for more information.

Comments

[Christina Coe]

My mother-in-law is a PARANOID FREAK! She saw my husband give our 7 month old a sip of water the other day and told him (not around me, because she knew I would tell her to quit being crazy) that giving her water could cause serious damage. Now I see that a lot may cause that, but now I can reassure my husband and her that what he did, did not harm her at all and it will not.

[Clarissa's Mommy]

Water

Check with your physician. I know they can recommend tiny amounts of water for constipation. (2oz at 6 months old)

[moi]

Breast fed babies need a little water AFTER 6 MONTHS OLD. Nothing over 10 oz. You would seriously have to give the baby A LOT OF WATER to cause Electrolyte imbalance.

[Anca]

Hello,

I have a 13 month old baby, and am parranoid she get dehydrated so I try to give her lots of water. How much is safe and does not dilute the electrolyte balance of the blood? What abt 8 month old babies