Cool boiled water - yes or no?

[newmum234]

Should I be giving my baby (8 weeks old, formula fed) any cool boiled water in this heat? On the NHS website it says you can but I’m sure I’ve read elsewhere that it’s not a good idea?

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/how-can-i-keep-my-baby-safe-during-hot-weather/

This weather is stressful with a newborn, I can’t wait until it cools down

One of my Health Visitors said yes and the other one said no so I had to make my own decision as it’s all very conflicting.

My daughter was a summer baby and I decided to let her have a little cooled boiled water in between feeds so it didn’t interfere with her actual feeds. It was literally a couple of sips here and there so it didn’t fill her little tummy up.

It is safe to, yes, and they only need very small amounts.

I would decide based on any signs of dehydration (fewer than 5 wet nappies a day, sunken fontanelle).

My baby was a newborn in the 2018 long, hot summer and it is hard to trust they are okay in the heat but go with your instincts. On the plus side, it really cut down on the laundry just having them in a nappy all day!

Congratulations on your baby.

Only if dehydrated. Otherwise I would just offer extra milk, which is what babies get both their nutrients and hydration from. Really though if you are staying in the cool (not out in the blazing sun), baby shouldn't really have any extra hydration needs. Usually they just drink more milk, so if you are ff, I would make up extra in each bottle.