Giving newborn water?

Everyone in my family says I'm supposed to be giving DS a little water in addition to his BM/formula.

He is 6 weeks old. I didn't know this at all.

Do you give your newborn water? I've never heard of this.

Re: Giving newborn water?

I was told by my old ped. that I didn't need to. But when I was trying to BF and she wasnt latching properly I gave her a little here and there.

It's not gonna hurt.. but I didnt notice a difference with her staying full longer. My FMIL recommended it too.. so I gave it a shot.

Message edited 5/31/2008 2:46:21 PM.

Re: Giving newborn water?

I didn't....my understanding is its not necessary, but the main thing if you do give it you don't want to replace a meal, they need the calories from BM/Formula.

Re: Giving newborn water?

DD has never had water...i tried giving it too her on many occassions to try and help her with bowel movements...she HATES it...spits it out when she realizes its not her formula...

Re: Giving newborn water?

Re: Giving newborn water?

I asked my pediatrician and she told me that there is no need to give a newborn water.

I don't know if this answer will change once we are in the really hot summer months.

Re: Giving newborn water?

My ped didnt want me to! She said there was no reason at this age.

DS is now 5 months and he hasnt had more than a sip or two. Now when it gets warm I am going to try giving it to him to keep him hydrated between bottles.

Ask your ped at your next appt but I wouldnt worry about what your family says!

Re: Giving newborn water?

My ped. did recommend it but I didn't have too. At 12 weeks old, I gave DS about 1oz of water a couple of times a week.

Re: Giving newborn water?

My mother also believed in this-- I think it's old school. When I asked my Ped he too said no, no need to. All the water they need is in their Formula or BM. He also said water would give the baby a sense of being full with no nutritional value at all.

Re: Giving newborn water?

Re: Giving newborn water?

I gave DD water right from the beginning. My family believes in giving babies water and I didn't have a problem giving my DD water.

Re: Giving newborn water?

they dont need water when theyre on formula.. the formula has everything in it that they need right now. i did give DD some water once in a while as she got a little older, but it never replaced a bottle of formula.

Re: Giving newborn water?

We were told not to give water- only if constipation issues arise.

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We only gave DD water when she had thrush b/c the doc said it would help to flush the bacteria out. Other than that he said we didn't have to give water.

Re: Giving newborn water?

I gave DD water in the summer when it was really hot.

Re: Giving newborn water?

I also listened to my ped and didn't give water until 6 months. Now, at 8 months, the twins don't take water or juice. I wish I would have listened to my mother...FWIW, my df is a dr. and she gave both of her dds sugar water when they turned 8 weeks old.

You really need to do what you feel comfortable with!

Re: Giving newborn water?

here is an interesting article about giving water before 6 months:
Drinking water can be harmful to smallest babies

Re: Giving newborn water?

Thanks for the responses. My gut instinct was that newborns have such tiny bellies and such a strong suck reflex that giving them water would make them feel full and not take enough formula.

I will check with the pediatrician next visit but at least now I have some response to my family when they insist that I give DS water.