Water

[Ready]

A friend mentioned that now dd (17weeks) is (sadly) on formula she needs water in addition to her feeds - is this right? If so, how much should I be offering?

Anyone?

they dont routinely need extra water unless they are constipated or it is hot. My lo's never got extra water until they started on solids.

My DS needed extra water. It's been a while now for me, but I seem to remember that when breastfed babies are thirsty they don't feed for long (i.e. get the watery stuff). When they feed longer the richer stuff is forthcoming. Formula fed babies don't have that option.

I'll have a quick look to see if I can find a link though. My mind is addled with child-fug.

found this from babycentre, which is basically what I did:

Formula-fed babies may occasionally require extra water, especially if the weather is hot and they are more thirsty than usual. It is important that giving water does not replace a milk feed and fill your baby up unnecessarily, so only give small quantities at a time. In babies who are younger than six months old, boil the water first and allow it to cool before offering it to your baby.

Thanks very much for the responses, good to know that I don't have to be routinely giving water at this stage, but if I do give it, just a little.

Thanks again