Introducing Water.

[Claire5517]

My DD is 18wks old and last week we introduced baby rice once a day into her diet. She has this in the morning after her 1st bottle.

I have read that it is good to introduce water around this stage as well. How do I go about this? How often do your DC have it? At what time in the day - after bottle or before nap etc? Do you give it warm or room temp?

TIA x

I started weaning at 6 months and so offered him a sippy cup of water. He had a little bit of constipation when first having solids and the water was much needed. I just kept offering it to him with every meal and now he chugs it down.

Baby rice and water have fewer calories - fewer everything. Milk is really all her delicate tummy needs until 6 mths. I wouldn't worry about weaning just yet - enjoy the milk days...you'll miss it soon enough

Thanks guys. I thought I would just give the rice a go and she loves it. She grabs the bowl and tries to feed herself!!! I'm obv not quick enough lol

Have you been advised by medical professionals? NHS and World Health Organisation guidance is no solids before 6 months (26 weeks). Milk only before then, water and solid food not necessary.

I'm not weaning yet but do offer water if mine wants a feed less than 2.5 hrs after his last feed, I normally just give him 2 or 3 oz and its prob only once or twice a week. Weaning can lead to some weight loss so if that could be problem for your little one, I'd prob skip filling them up on water for now.

(I'm counting the days to mine being 4 months as he takes up to 500ml on his evening feeds and still wakes 3-4hrs later, which I'm sure can't be good for his little belly, plus he is a bit chunky for his height.)

Purple, that's such bad practice. If a baby under 6 months cries for milk, give him milk.

Actually I been advised by the doctor, paed, and HV to give up to 7oz a water a day as he is overweight following being effectivley forced fed as a newborn as he was failing to thrive.

I am ff feedng though which i didn't mention above.

That's good Purple, I got the impression the OP was not acting on medical advice though, so your original reply to her wasn't very wise.