This Is Why You Should Never Give Water To Your Baby

We all know how important water is for our bodies. Drinking the right amount of water can keep us healthy.

But did you know that this does not apply to everybody? No matter how healthy you think drinking water is, there is one information that you should not forget; water is dangerous for babies.

A new risk has been highlighted and it involves feeding your babies water.

Do babies need water?

Baby 2

PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay

Infants do not need water. Babies should only be given milk until 6 months. After 6 months, a sip of water here and there is said to be safe.

According to Mirror, a dietician from Mayo Clinic, Katie Zeratsky explains that up until the age of one, babies can survive without water.

They can already get the essential nutrients they need from milk, “they get all of their fluid needs through human milk or infant formula. Even on a hot day, they can get all of their hydration needs through human milk or formula.”

Why is it dangerous?

Baby 1

PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay

Excessive water intake in babies can lead to water intoxication, which can, in turn, lead to seizures and worse, being in a coma which can prove to be fatal.

“Water intoxication is where you consume too much water in a short period of time and your blood level of sodium drops…making a tragic situation,”

“In the adult world, you would have to push yourself past thirst and regulation to a point where you almost have to force intake.”

“In terms of a baby, in most cases, they would get too full to do this, so it would be more challenging to create this situation in an infant. It’s not impossible, though.”

This is the reason, according to Zeratsky, why parents are advised against giving babies water. Breastmilk and formula already have the needed protein, minerals, vitamins, fat, and carbohydrates.

See: Too Poor to Buy Milk, Couple Accidentally Kills Baby with Water-Diluted Breastmilk

When is it safe to give babies water?

Baby 3

PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay

Parents are advised to give babies only milk until they are 6 months old, after that you can let them sip a little water every now and then. When he turns one, you can already give him water, especially when he starts taking in solid food.

Share this: