New parents, this is when you should let your baby drink water
Feeding a baby water is an important aspect of their nutrition. But it’s important to know when the right time is to introduce it to your baby’s diet.
Also read about introducing water to a baby.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies under 6 months of age do not need water. Breastmilk or formula provides all the fluids they need. In fact, introducing water before 6 months can interfere with their intake of breastmilk or formula, putting them at risk of dehydration.
After six months, how much you should let your baby drink water
After 6 months, when babies are starting to eat solid foods, they can begin to have small amounts of water in a cup or sippy cup. The AAP recommends that babies between 6 and 12 months be given no more than 4-8 ounces of water per day.
It’s important to note that water should not be used to replace breastmilk or formula for babies under 6 months of age. Also, for babies over 6 months, water should be given in addition to breastmilk or formula, not instead of it.
It’s also important to use safe water sources and ensure that the water is clean and free of contaminants. Boiling water for at least one minute or using a water filter can help ensure the safety of the water.
In conclusion, babies under 6 months of age do not need water as breastmilk or formula provides all the fluids they need. After 6 months, when babies are starting to eat solid foods. They can begin to have small amounts of water in a cup or sippy cup. It’s important to use safe water sources and ensure that the water is clean and free of contaminants. Always consult with a pediatrician before introducing water or making any changes to your baby’s diet.
