Experts warn that babies under six months must not drink water because it can cause serious health problems. Although most parents know that the diet of newborns is limited to milk, many are not aware of the reasons for this recommendation.
One of the key reasons is water poisoning, a condition that can be fatal for babies. Children’s kidneys are not yet sufficiently developed to filter larger amounts of water, which can lead to dilution electrolytes in the blood. The consequence can be hyponatremia, a state that causes brain swelling and can have tragic consequences.
The example of this danger was experienced by Katie Gorter from Oregon. Her 11-month daughter Elly drank water during bathing, which caused vomiting and difficulty breathing. In the hospital, the doctors found that a large amount of water pressed ELLY lungs, threatening her life. Fortunately, the girl recovered, and Katie warned parents on social networks: “Water poisoning is real and can easily happen. Babies 6 to 12 months do not give more than 60 milliliters of water in 24 hours.”
Water interferes with the diet
In addition, water can distort newborn nutrition. The baby’s stomach in the first months can accommodate only one to two teaspoon fluids and empty quickly, which is why often a frequent milk feeding. If the water is given instead of milk or formula, it takes space for key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fats and calories, which are necessary for growth and development.
Only around the sixth moon Babin stomach becomes large enough to stand small amounts of water, which doctors consider a safe moment for her introduction. Thus, experts recommend that the water is avoided while the baby does not turn six months, and even then it should be careful with quantities.
What does the world health organization say?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, there should not drink water under 6 months because the breast milk or formula fully meet their needs for liquid and nutrients, even in warm climatic conditions. The WHO emphasizes that giving water in this period may reduce milk intake, which can lead to malnutrition, weight loss or other health problems, such as water poisoning.
After 6 months, when the supplementary diet is introduced, the WHO suggests that it can begin to offer small amounts of water (no more than 60 milliliters per day for babies from 6 to 12 months). Water should be boiled and chilled to be safe, and ideally is given from a glass or cup with a beak, not a bottle. However, breast milk or formula remain primary fluid source by 12. months, writes Bosnia info.
