In the case of infant nutrition, parents are full of information about what is safe and what is not. However, a recommendation that usually captures new caregivers on duty is a strict guide against giving water to infants, especially in the first six months of life. After all, water is necessary to survive-why is it deported to babies?
Pediatrician warns infants against watering Younger than six months. Because it can be dangerous to do this. Unlike older children and adults, babies’ bodies are not yet equipped with extra water and may lead to too serious health risks.
Water poisoning danger
Drinking water is simple and safe for adults. Ours mature kidneys It can effectively process abundant excess water, which can help our body carefully maintain the balance of liquids and electrolytes. However, babies have small kidneys that are not yet fully equipped for the same task.
One of the biggest dangers of giving water to a baby Water poisoningToo much water is a condition when it dilutes sodium concentration in the blood. This can lead to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance hyponatremiaThis causes the cells to swell.
When a baby drinks too much water, it can cause symptoms like the following:
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Bluries of consciousness, confusion
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Numbness
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Weak coordination
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Seizures
And in serious cases, water poisoning can lead to coma or death.
Even small amounts of water given regularly can disrupt the sensitive electrolyte balance of a baby. Therefore, most pediatrician – including the American Pediatrics Academy (AAP) – it only advises you to feed your baby Breast milk and/or formula for the first six months.
Read more: What can we learn from the intestinal microbiome of babies
Breast milk and formula provide sufficient hydration
For the first six months of life, breast milk or formula is a need for a baby. These fluids are specifically formulated for a baby to provide exactly the right amount of nutrients and hydration. For example breast milk About 87 percent waterAnd perfectly balanced Electrolytes and Foods This exactly meets your baby’s needs. Properly prepared baby formula It reflects the composition and water content of the breast milk closely, likewise it allows the nutrition and hydration needs of your whole baby.
Adding additional water to your baby’s diet can cause the lack or imbalance of vital foods and Nutrition and immunity situation. Also, a systematic review 18 Research He found that only breast milk or formula meets all hydration needs for infants under six months even in warmer climates.
Nutritional imbalance risks
Another important risk associated with giving additional water to infants under six months is. nutritional imbalance. Babies have very small stomachs, so filling them with water means that they will consume less breast milk or formula. Less basic calories and nutrients such as less milk, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, potentially to prevent them from growing and developing.
Some studies have shown that babies often give water in the first months of life may not gain enough weightTo put at risk for developmental delays and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, jumping water in the first months is not only a suggestion, but for the healthy development of your baby.
When is water safe for babies?
The consensus of pediatric doctors around the world, World Health Organization (DSÖ) and AAP are open: You should not give water to infants younger than six months. You can do it in six months Promote a small amount of water As your baby starts solid food. However, Disease Control and Prevention Centers (CDC), until the first birthdays, you should not give about 4 to 8 ounces (a few ounces at a time).
Although parents did not give water to their babies before six months, six months later, Promote water safely and moderately. Make sure that the water is completed instead of replacing breast milk or formula. The first gear change of babies solid foods It prevents tooth decay (if water contains fluoride), which helps them to learn to drink from a cup, and usually meets water as a beverage.
In rare cases, such as severe dehydration caused by the disease, a healthcare specialist may recommend very much. Specific electrolyte solutions designed for babies – It’s not just plain water. These specially formulated beverages have the critical electrolyte and hydration balance required for your child to recover safely.
Keeping babies safe and moisturizing
It may seem unreasonable that something as fundamental as water can pose a risk for babies, but in the first months of life, even the most important substances can be harmful if it is introduced very early. The body of a baby is uniquely adjusted to develop only on breast milk or formula. Any something else, even water, can throw this sensitive balance. Therefore, it is not only useful to understand the logic behind these medical guidelines – it is very important to protect your child’s health.
In short, babies cannot only get water because their bodies are not yet ready. Therefore, for the first six months, you will be connected to breast milk or formula, and you will give your child exactly what they need to start strongly from life.
This article does not offer medical advice and should be used only for information.
Read more: How can ‘first 1,000 days’ can shape your baby’s future?
Article Source
Our writers Discovermagazine.com Use refereed studies and high -quality resources for our articles and review our editors for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. For this article, review the sources used below:
Jake Parks is a freelance writer and editor specializing in covering Science News. He had previously written for Astronomy Magazine, Discover Magazine, Ohio State University, Wisconson-Madison University and more.
