10 month old drinking too much water?

[zoidforth]

Hi,
So online - incl NHS sites - say babies shouldn't have anymore than 4oz of water a day. My 10 month old loves drinking water and will go through about 16oz in a day. I spoke to HV and have had mixed feedback. Anyone have any idea?

No ideas here but I'm interested in seeing replies because my 11 month old also drinks a lot of water. Out of interest is yours breast or bottle fed?

Why are you offering her so much water?

@HidingUnderMyDuvet she is bottle fed. She's always drank lots of milk. She is now on 500ml only as mostly eats food now. She is on the 99.6 centile for weight and wears clothes for 18m to 2 yrs if that makes any difference.

@00100001 Her sippy cup is available to her throughout the day. We never need to give it to her or encourage her to drink. I suppose I could only have it there during meals. Do you think it's too much then?

Only have it available on hot days I would say- it will replace the formula that she needs. Can’t you offer a bottle when she’s hungry?

Just give it to her at meals and don't put too much in.

If advice is 4oz and you're giving 10, then yes it's too much.

But then you say she's the size of an 18month old, what dies the advice say for that age?

You should only provide water at meals. There is no need to have it available in between. Too much water can be fatal.

My baby is 9 months and would drink continuously if I let her! She loves to play with her cup and drink, she can’t self regulate yet.

Thanks guys. I did think it was too much and I'd have followed the guidelines I read but then multiple HVs said there's no rules and she can have what she wants. I did think it was weird and so that's why I asked on here. I have another HV calling me tomorrow to confirm. I'll just offer at meals.

Hi everyone,

I spoke to the HV and she said there is no limit to how much water they drink.

There is up to 4 months but after that, they can drink how ever much they want to.

She said 16oz is absolutely fine!

@zoidforth
My HV said the opposite!

And I was told babies before 6 months shouldn’t have any. It’s even in our weaning pack!

@Megan2018 how frustrating! Did she tell you how much they can have?

That's four HVs now have said there is no limit. But I did feel it was a bit weird hence why I asked again.

Only giving water with meals is very bad advice, especially in hot weather.

Its really when babies are very young and only taking milk that issues with too much water can occur. On hot days water should definitely be available

I have been wondering this too! My 10m old is also drinking loads of water, probably 6-8oz a day alongside his milk but is being fussy with food at the moment so I think I should cut it back a bit

If there are no issues with her food or milk, I can't see the harm?

@tiredanddangerous breastfed babies like mine do not need water in between meals. Not until they are 1.

@zoidforth I’ll see if I still have the paperwork, I think it was 2oz per meal as a guide before 1.
I can’t remember what it said regarding FF babies as wasn’t relevant to me but the water with meals is to help gut transit and avoid constipation, it’s not for hydration as the milk does that bit.

Water intoxication is rare though I gather and generally occurs when they are allowed to drink bath water etc. I don’t think it’s a huge panic.

I don’t trust all HV though, the ones I have seen are good but my NCT friend was told to reduce BF and give custard to her baby for poor weight gain. Mind boggles.

@Megan2018 custard?! That is madness!!

Yes, I think as she eats well it is okay then.

She also drinks bath water sometimes

I think some people are missing the point where OP says that her baby is well established on solids and eats mainly food.

Both my DC were well established on three meals a day by this age and only had a bottle of formula first thing and at night. I would offer drinks (don't forget she can have cows milk as well as a drink) with meals and as you've done, have a sippy cup available during the day. Especially on a hot day like it has been lately. If you think she's just having it to mess about, you can take it away. Or not refill it if she's done. If it's not there, will she be bothered? Personally, I'd carry on as you were.

What you should keep an eye on is that she appears to be thirsty lots but also weeing lots. Because that's a symptom of diabetes.

My baby was also very well established on solids by that age and only had a 7oz bottle of formula first thing and before bed. The paediatrician (we don’t live in the UK) said it was necessary to offer her water regularly so that she stays hydrated, especially in summer and that she could have as much as she wanted. It sounds like your daughter is fine and I’d carry on as you are.

@Fatted my baby has 3 meals a day too.
Cows milk cannot be given as a drink before 12 months. On/in food but not in a cup.

@Fatted thank you

And yes, always a full nappy! I'll defo do what you say where have it there for her but don't offer it to her unless it's meal times!

How well is your little one eating?

If on 3 meals, plus 500ml of formula and 16 oz of water...
Thats a fair amount of fluid...

Shes 10 months old but is in 18-24 month clothes? Shes big for her age.

Is she meeting her milestones?

@FedUpOfChangingName

I think 3 meals a day + 500ml of milk is what they should be having. She has up to 16oz of water a day but remember it is hot most days.

She has hit all of her milestones and beyond. She has also started walking now.

If your baby is thirsty and it is a hot day then I think it would be cruel to not offer her cool water. Child can't get it for themself.