Whether to give water to a newborn?

Newborn children do not drink ordinary water. But most mothers are tormented by the question: whether to give water to a newborn? Such doubts among young mothers appear in hot weather. Women with experience believe that giving the baby a little water is possible. The child is given water during breaks between feeding from a bottle or from a spoon. So, let's explain whether it is possible to give water to newborns.

Pediatrician's opinion

Famous pediatrician from Baby Center Stephen R. Daniels claims that the newborn baby receives the required amount of water with the mother's milk. By giving the child water, you thereby violate the process of breastfeeding and endanger the water intoxication. This intoxication can cause a newborn to whom or convulsions, as the blood is excessively diluted and its equilibrium is disturbed.

If a newborn is often given water, then thisnegatively affects his appetite. Stomach of the baby is small in volume, and if it is filled with water, the amount of milk required decreases. Daniels points out that water can reduce the child's absorption of nutrients.

Do I need to give water to newborns?

Experts do not recommend giving water to childrenuntil they begin to take solid food. In this case, it is suggested to give the baby 40 to 100 ml of water daily. An optimal approach in this matter will allow you to develop a consultation with the pediatrician.

In special cases, for example, when the baby has constipation, the doctor can recommend a little water or juice - 40-60 ml - to resolve the situation.

Accustoming the baby to water, for the first time he is givendrink from a spoon so that it does not choke. If a child does not want to drink, he will spit out water or keep his mouth closed. For the first time, the baby has 2 spoonfuls of water.

According to modern pediatricians, it is necessary to give water to newborns in the following cases: illness (constipation, diarrhea) and severe heat. But in the latter case, it is enough to manage the mother's milk.

What is breast milk?

Breast milk is balanced by 100%, taking into accountall the needs of a newborn baby. They, milk, can quench their thirst and hunger. To quench his thirst, the baby sucks in early milk. Early (front) milk is produced at the very beginning of feeding. It is produced in large volume and has a bluish tint, since it has 90% water in it. The infant milk quenches his thirst with the front milk. Here is the answer to the question: is it necessary to give water to the newborn. Back milk is produced at the end of feeding. It is thick and has a white color, since it contains 3 times more fat and protein, in comparison with the front milk. Due to the back milk, the main saturation of the child's body with nutrients and energy substances is provided.

If the baby is on the formula, then the picture is different. Such children need a daily volume of additional fluid of the order of 100-150 ml.