Wondering whether “Can Newborn Drink Water.”

You are doing the right thing by reading the information regarding your concern rather than starting water for your newborn.

It is better to get some knowledge about the introduction of water as you may not realize what harm you may bring to your baby.

Water is required for the survival of life on earth.

The body is composed of 60% water, and adult humans cannot survive without drinking water. But still, water should be given with caution in newborns and only when advised by your baby’s child care provider.

It is unwise to feed water to your newborn as it will harm them rather doing good to them. 

Now you may wonder why you should avoid water in an infant less than six months or when you should start to give them water?

I have shared all the details in this post about water intake in a newborn.

Newborn

A newborn is a baby who is in the age range between birth to 1 month. They are also known as a neonate.

Infant

An infant is a baby in the age range between one month to one year. You can refer to a baby in this age group as an Infant.

Why Should Water Be Avoided In Newborn

Nutritional Intrusion and Malnutrition

Breast milk is the best nutritional supplement for a baby. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months. Breast milk is packed with all the nutrients needed for the expected growth of the baby. 

During the exclusive breastfeeding period, breast milk acts as both food and water.

The introduction of water to your newborn will decrease the intake of breast milk. As a result, your baby will drink water and refuse to drink breast milk due to fullness. Eventually, the baby may develop malnourishment due to a decrease in milk intake.

Your baby will develop nutritional deficiencies and growth retardation.

Lactation Interference

One of the factors which influence milk production is suckling. 

Suckling of the breast by an infant will help to empty the breast and Milk Let Down Reflex.

Emptying of the breast by suckling will help in the further synthesis of milk in the breast.

Milk Let Down Reflex

When your infant sucks your breast, it stimulates the nerve endings in your nipple and areola. In turn, it signals the pituitary gland to release the hormones Prolactin and Oxytocin. These hormones are necessary for lactation. 

Prolactin helps in the synthesis of the milk within the cells of the alveoli of the breasts. Also, it signals the glands in the breast to produce more milk.

Continued breastfeeding can help produce more prolactin and, in turn, the formation of more milk. 

Oxytocin causes the contraction of the muscles around the breast glands.

It is produced quicker than prolactin and helps in the milk flow stored in the breast.

But, the water intake will prevent this pathway as the baby will refuse to suck and breastfeed. 

Thus, there will be a decrease in the production and secretion of milk. Both factors will lead to a deficiency of nutrients required for a baby’s growth. As a result, it will hamper growth and development.

Water Intoxication

The baby’s kidneys are immature to handle too much water. As a result, the body causes the release of excess sodium to cope with extra water intake.

A decrease in the blood sodium level or Hyponatremia will affect the baby’s brain activity. 

The symptoms of water intoxication are:

• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Excessive crying
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Decrease in body temperature

Prone To Infections

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months will protect the babies from infections. It reduces the infection-related mortality rate during the first year of their life.

There are two ways the baby can get infections when fed with water.

1.Decreased Immunity

Breastmilk contains many protective factors like secretory IgA and other factors. In addition, these factors fight against invading pathogens. 

Feeding water will interfere with breastmilk intake. As a result, it will refrain your baby from these protective factors.

The breast-fed babies are less prone to 

• Respiratory tract infections
• Diarrhea 
• Allergies
• Ear infections

Breastmilk will protect babies against heart problems and diabetes in their later life.

2.Infections due to contaminated water intake

The water which you feed to your baby will be a source to cause infection in your baby. In addition, the contaminated water or improper boiling of water may cause diarrhea in your baby.

How Infant Stays Hydrated

Breast milk has approximately 80 % of water content to suffice the baby’s water needs.

You don’t have to worry even during the summer as the breast milk will be enough for your baby’s water intake. 

Fever And Water Intake

For your baby, who is less than six months old and has a fever, extra water is not required. The breast milk is enough to keep them hydrated.

There is no need to add extra water in formula-fed babies. Instead, always add the water as per instructions mentioned by the manufacturers on the formula package.

If your baby is more than six months old, then you can give few sips of water in a spoon in between the feeds.

Consult your baby’s health care provider before starting the water during the fever.

You should check whether your baby needs that extra hydration during episodes of fever.

Signs of dehydration are:

• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Sunken eyes
• No tears while crying
• Fewer wet diapers per day than their usual
• Sunken anterior fontanelle

When Should You Start Water In A Newborn

You can introduce the water to your baby after six months of age. It should be after consulting your baby’s health care provider. It is the period where you will start to wean your baby with the food. 

The intake of solid food in your baby can cause constipation. So sipping water between the feeds may help the baby.

The weaning should be a slow and gradual process. It should not affect the intake and cause diarrhea in the baby.

How To Introduce The Water To The Newborn

Introduce the water to your baby in small amounts. The water should be boiled and cooled water. 

Boiling the water is very important as the contaminated water can cause diarrhea. Besides, any infection in your baby will affect their growth and milestone achievements.

Do not use the boiled water after 24 hours and store it in clean containers or bottles.

The goal during this period is to introduce your baby to water. And to get accustomed to the tasteless nature of the water. 

The primary source of hydration during six months and beyond is still breastmilk in your baby.

To Sum Up,

Breastmilk is the mother’s best gift to your baby. It will protect them throughout their lives. 

Unfortunately, the water will create an imbalance in your baby’s body. Hence consult your baby’s health care provider before introducing water to your little one’s diet.

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