Is it safe to dilute formula milk?

[JammyDodger101]

Just that really.. LO refuses to take water and I suspect she may be thirsty rather than hungry. Is it safe to do 1 scoop of formula with 4 ounces of water, say?

No, not safe. How old is the baby?

No it's not, how old are they?

No. Absolutely not.

Ok.. message received! Can I ask why not? HV suggested trying her with water but she won’t take it, I thought I could ‘trick’ her by adding some formula.

Under 6 months, then no.

Over 6 months, keep offering water in a sippy cup with meals. They will only take a few sips at first. You can add extra liquid to meals if you feel they aren't taking enough.

She is 5 months

Its because the baby will be getting less nutrition than they need, which can affect their development. They can also get water intoxication.

water will get into their blood stream and it can be fatal

Why does the HV think she needs water? Is she on solids yet?

A 5mo shouldn't be having water, they only need formula made properly. HV shouldn't be advising this.

Babies should be having water until 6 months and even then it's just soo offered with water. God knows what your health visitor is on about.

You may find this helpful OP.

www.bounty.com/a-z-family-illness/baby-illnesses/the-dangers-of-diluting-formula-milk

Ignore your health visitor. If babies are thirsty, they drink milk. Even once weaning, water is just for mealtimes until one – they still need milk primarily.

Woah no she doesn’t need water at 5 months … and after 6 months they take very little water as they are just learning to drink water

I think someone needs to talk to your HV unless she’s advised that for specific medical reason!
As others have already advised - water with meals from 6m-1year. Until then, breast milk or formula will be their source of nutrition and hydration.

You shouldn’t dilute feeds and young babies don’t usually need water, as PPs have said. However, the NHS advises that you can give babies water separately, if needed to treat constipation Link.

Is she drinking her milk and having wet nappies, OP? If so she doesn't need water, she gets all her liquid from milk at this age. Why do you think she's thirsty?

I was told by doctors this is okay to do for constipation but only a small amount e.g two feeds in the day 5 scoops of formula 6 ounces of water. So only a minimal amount

Your health visitor is an idiot (not uncommon).

FFS. If you're going to post this shit, please can you link a credible source

Don't be a dick. How would this even happen ffs. How can people believe this shit

If she’s thirsty she needs milk not water, good god

I have some news for you about the composition of blood...

people are very rude
www.healthline.com/health/baby/why-cant-babies-have-water

Health line:

In short, when the kidneys are given more water than they can handle, the excess water ends up in your bloodstream. This dilutes the fluid in your bloodstream and lowers the concentration of important electrolytes, like sodium. Too much dilution and you’re at risk for hyponatremia, which literally means too little (hypo) salt in the blood (natremia).

This thread is a perfect example of why I refused to engage with the HV service with my new baby (DC2).